Soft, chewy, and rich with chocolate flavor, these Frosted Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic sugar cookie. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey. These cookies are easy to make and even easier to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—chocolate and sugar cookies—in one soft, fudgy bite. They have a deep cocoa flavor, a tender texture, and a rich frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different frostings and toppings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra softness)
Powdered sugar (for the frosting)
Heavy cream or milk (to adjust frosting consistency)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt).
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Scoop or roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 55 minutes

Variations

Use peppermint extract in the frosting for a festive holiday version.
Add chocolate chips to the dough for double the chocolate delight.
Top with sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or crushed nuts for extra texture and flair.
Make them sandwich-style by placing frosting between two cookies.
Swap the frosting with cream cheese or peanut butter frosting for a fun twist.

storage/reheating

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature. These cookies do not require reheating, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a softer bite (about 5–10 seconds).

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Use sour cream or Greek yogurt in the dough and avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! Try cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or even a ganache for a richer touch.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They’re done when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t necessary but can help reduce spreading and enhance flavor if you have the time.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Definitely. Just adjust the baking time—shorter for smaller cookies, longer for larger ones.

How do I get the frosting smooth?

Beat it well and add just enough liquid (milk or cream) to make it spreadable. Use a spatula or piping bag for a clean finish.

Conclusion

Frosted Chocolate Sugar Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with creamy frosting and easy to customize, they’re the perfect addition to your baking list. Whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Frosted Chocolate Sugar Cookies