Name: Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 42 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, avocado oil, or olive oil; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240g) confectioners sugar; 6 tablespoons (30g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder; 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream or milk, slightly warm; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup (43g) sprinkles

Crisp mornings call for freshly baked chocolate frosted cookies that whisper comfort and nostalgia.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through the air with each sweet aroma.

Soft, pillowy rounds promise pure delight waiting to melt on your tongue.

Chocolate’s rich depth blends perfectly with velvety frosting, creating an irresistible treat.

Baking these delectable morsels requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Unexpected ingredients spark magical moments of culinary joy.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Can I use different types of cocoa powder?

Yes, both natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder work well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor and texture.

What if I don't have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute with milk or half-and-half, though heavy cream provides a richer, smoother frosting texture.

Why Chocolate Frosted Cookies Are Always First To Vanish

Quick Homemade Delight: Create decadent chocolate cookies with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
Stress-Free Preparation: Chill dough ahead of time, enabling convenient baking when schedule allows, perfect for busy home bakers.
Kid-Friendly Project: Engage children in mixing, rolling dough balls, and adding colorful sprinkles, making baking a fun family activity.
Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing flexible baking times and reducing day-of kitchen stress.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Butter, Oil: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, room temperature is best.
Sugars: Adds sweetness and helps create soft, chewy cookie texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Flour: Structural foundation of the cookie.
Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

Frosting Ingredients:

Butter: Creates creamy, smooth base for frosting.
Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth consistency.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to frosting.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps adjust frosting texture.
Vanilla: Rounds out chocolate flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness in frosting.

Decorative Ingredient:

Sprinkles: Adds color and festive touch to finished cookies.

Chocolate Frosted Cookies Preparation Steps

Step 1: Blend Wet Ingredients

Grab your mixer and combine butter, oil, and sugars until they transform into a light, fluffy clouds.

Drop in the egg and vanilla, whisking until everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a separate bowl, blend:

Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt

Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients.

Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Setup

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop generous tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into smooth balls.

Place cookies 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets.

Bake for 12-13 minutes until edges look set.

Let cookies rest 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Frosting

Beat butter until creamy and smooth.

Incorporate:

Confectioners' sugar
Cocoa powder
Heavy cream
Vanilla
Salt

Whip until the frosting reaches a silky consistency.

Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Decorate Cookies

Generously spread frosting over completely cooled cookies.

Sprinkle with colorful toppings for extra charm.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Keep frosted cookies at room temperature for one day or refrigerate up to 5 days for maximum freshness.

Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth during baking.
Use a heaping tablespoon or cookie scoop for consistent, uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Adjust heavy cream in frosting to achieve desired thickness; add more cream for spreadability or more sugar for firmer texture.
Watch cookies closely during last 2-3 minutes of baking to ensure edges are set but not overly dark.
Keep frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Frosted Cookies Keep Their Texture in Storage

Carefully layer frosted cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for 5 days.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them naturally defrost at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Warm refrigerated cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to restore softness and bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Crisp Bites For Frosted Cookies

Pair with Classic Milk: Indulge in the ultimate comfort combination by serving these rich chocolate frosted cookies with a cold, creamy glass of whole milk. The smooth dairy perfectly balances the intense chocolate flavor and cuts through the sweetness.
Complement with Espresso: Elevate the dessert experience by matching these cookies with a shot of strong espresso or rich americano. The robust coffee intensifies the chocolate notes and provides a delightful contrast to the sweet frosting.
Match with Raspberry Sorbet: Create a gourmet dessert plate by adding a small scoop of tangy raspberry sorbet alongside the cookies. The bright, fruity acidity beautifully cuts through the deep chocolate richness and adds a refreshing palate cleanser.
Enhance with Salted Caramel Latte: Serve the cookies with a warm salted caramel latte for a decadent treat. The caramel's buttery sweetness and the coffee's warmth perfectly complement the chocolate's deep, complex flavor profile.

Extra Styles of Chocolate Frosted Cookies

Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to make these cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Chocolate Frosted Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and replace heavy cream with plant-based milk in the frosting.
Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugars, and reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar in the frosting to create a less sweet version.
Nut-Infused Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor, creating a more complex texture and taste profile.

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis

Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Dreamy Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Bliss

FAQs

Why Chocolate Frosted Cookies Are Always First To Vanish