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Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Featured in Desserts.

Love chocolate cookies? These stay firm for decorating, thanks to chilling. Spend 2 hours, including dough resting. The cocoa gives deep flavor and pairs great with frosting. Made them for Valentine’s but any occasion works fine!
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:15:13 GMT
Several cookies shaped like stars, frosted with chocolate and decorated with white lacy snowflakes. Pin it
Several cookies shaped like stars, frosted with chocolate and decorated with white lacy snowflakes. | tasteofmoms.com

Making these chocolate cut-out cookies brightens up holiday baking sessions. I've tweaked this recipe until I found just the right mix for rich chocolate flavor and soft texture while they keep their shape perfectly. There's nothing like the warm, chocolate-filled scent that spreads through your kitchen as they bake, making the decorating part even more fun.

Absolutely Delightful

The best thing about these chocolate cut-out cookies is how flexible and dependable they are. You can work with the dough easily, so your shapes turn out great every single time. My kids and I love to sit together and add decorations, and we all agree they taste just as amazing as they look.

What You'll Need

  • Sugar: Fine granulated.
  • Vanilla: Pure extract.
  • Egg: Fresh large size.
  • Butter: Room temperature.
  • Baking Powder: Just enough lift.
  • Cocoa: Rich and unsweetened.
  • Flour: Measured with care.

Let's Start Baking

Shape with Love
Roll and cut with care.
Time to Chill
Patience makes perfect cookies.
Create Your Dough
Cream until light and fluffy.
Build Your Base
Mix those dry ingredients perfectly.

Success Secrets

Don't skip the chilling time when making chocolate cut-out cookies. This step really matters for keeping their shape just right. Also, make sure they cool all the way before you start decorating them. You'll get much better results this way.

Make Them Your Own

Get creative with these cookies. Try cutting them into different shapes for birthdays, holidays or any celebration. Play around with different toppings too. You can pop them in the freezer and they'll stay fresh, so you'll always have cookies ready for decorating or eating plain.

A close-up of decorated star-shaped cookies with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs, set against a blurred festive background with soft lights. Pin it
A close-up of decorated star-shaped cookies with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs, set against a blurred festive background with soft lights. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill before baking?

Cold dough keeps its form in the oven and rolls out smoothly without sticking.

→ Do I have to use almond extract?

Nope, but it brings a nice depth that complements the chocolate flavor.

→ How long can dough rest?

Store it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 48 hours if needed.

→ Why split the dough up?

Smaller pieces are easier to roll thin and even without a mess.

→ Why use plain cocoa powder?

Unsweetened cocoa keeps the chocolate flavor deep without affecting the sweetness.

Conclusion

Rich cocoa-packed cookies perfect for slicing into fun shapes. Great for holidays or any time you want a sweeter dessert activity.

Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Soft chocolate cookies that are easy to cut and dress up. A fun update to classic sugar cookies.

Prep Time
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Cook Time
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Total Time
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By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 0 cookies

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
02 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional).
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
06 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
07 1 large egg.
08 1 cup granulated sugar.
09 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat for 2-3 minutes until it turns fluffy and pale.

Step 03

Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.

Step 04

On low speed, slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 05

Split the dough into two parts. Shape each into a disc, wrap them in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to two days.

Step 06

Set your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

Notes

  1. Needs chilling before baking.
  2. Great for prepping ahead.
  3. Perfect for cookie decorating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Cookie sheets.
  • Nonstick parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Includes dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~