5 Must-Try Chocolate Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

Chocolate cut-out cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, adding the rich, irresistible flavor of chocolate into every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to indulge in some home baking, these recipes provide something for everyone. From kids who love playful designs to adults craving the sophistication of dark chocolate, there's a recipe in this list that will satisfy your palate.

Classic Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Start with the basics. This recipe provides a foundation from which you can explore countless variations.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₃ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
2. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight. This helps the dough hold its shape when cut.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¹⁄₄ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

🌟 Note: For an intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which gives the cookies a deeper, smoother chocolate taste.

Vegan Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

For those avoiding animal products, these cookies are the perfect alternative with no compromise on taste or texture.

• ¹⁄₄ cup coconut oil, solid
• ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. Melt the coconut oil and mix with maple syrup. Add almond milk and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine with wet ingredients to form dough.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out and cutting.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

🌻 Note: Chill the dough between cutting out cookies to maintain shape. Use plant-based milk for a dairy-free icing if desired.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Baking without gluten shouldn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture. Here’s how to do it:

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups almond flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Mix almond flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
2. Form into a ball, wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
3. Roll out between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking. Cut into desired shapes.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

🍪 Note: Due to the almond flour, these cookies won’t spread as much. Press down gently before baking to get flat surfaces.

Double Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

For the ultimate chocolate experience, try these:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ³⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Steps:

1. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add the egg and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
3. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll, cut, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Mint Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Add a refreshing twist to your chocolate cookies with mint:

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₃ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Steps:

1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add the egg and peppermint extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
3. Chill for 1 hour before rolling and cutting.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

In summary, these chocolate cut-out cookie recipes cater to a wide range of dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you’re looking to bake with the richness of cocoa, the subtlety of vegan ingredients, or the necessity of gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe offers a unique take on the classic cut-out cookie, allowing for creativity in design and decoration.

Can I freeze the dough for these recipes?

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Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?

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Chilling the dough helps. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature, and consider baking on parchment paper.

How long will these cookies last?

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If stored in an airtight container, most chocolate cut-out cookies will last for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature, or you can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.