Description
These Chocolate Frosted Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with a rich, smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a classic, indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated to add flavor and bind the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet and flatten each ball slightly using your fingers or the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting: While cookies cool, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add extra milk if it’s too thick.
- Frost cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly on top of each cookie using a knife or spatula.
- Set the frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to sit for 15–20 minutes so the frosting can set before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dash of sea salt on top of the frosting for a fun twist and extra texture.
- These cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
