Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Imperial Candies Recipe
These Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies are rich, tender, and delightfully chocolaty with a crisp sugar coating. They feature a unique twist of rolling in granulated sugar before baking, creating a slight crunch on the outside while staying soft inside. Adding cinnamon imperials to the center for an extra burst of flavor is optional but highly recommended for a warm, spicy contrast to the cocoa richness.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp table salt
For Coating
Optional Garnish
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: Combine the softened butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two large eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Slowly stir in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and table salt. Once incorporated, beat the dough well for about 60 seconds to develop the right consistency for soft cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and improves the texture of the cookies.
- Preheat Oven: When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Pour the granulated sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookie dough balls.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a scoop or your hands, shape the chilled dough into balls of desired size.
- Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball gently in the granulated sugar bowl until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes. They should look set but still slightly soft in the center for optimal chewiness.
- Add Cinnamon Imperials (Optional): If using, press one or two cinnamon imperials into the center of each cookie immediately after removing them from the oven. The warmth will slightly melt the candies for a delicious finishing touch.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 7 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up and prevents breaking when transferring.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for build flavor and controlling spread during baking.
- Cookies may appear slightly underbaked after 10-11 minutes but will set as they cool for a soft center.
- Add cinnamon imperials immediately after baking for the best melt and flavor impact.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and help even baking.
- Nutritions may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and variations.
Keywords: Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Cookies, Soft Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Cinnamon Chocolate Cookies