Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies

These Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. The combination of dark cocoa powder and brown sugar creates a soft, fudgy cookie with caramel-like undertones. Perfect for chocolate lovers, these cookies are easy to make and pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor – Made with dark cocoa powder for an intense chocolate taste.
• Soft & Chewy Texture – Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and tender.
• Easy to Make – One-bowl recipe with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, gifts, or an everyday chocolate fix.
• Customizable – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sea salt for extra flavor.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Dark brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Dark cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sea salt (for a salted chocolate flavor)
• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
• Espresso powder (for a deeper chocolate taste)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars – In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional) – Stir in dark chocolate chips for extra richness.

Shape and Bake:

7. Scoop Dough – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
9. Cool & Set – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve & Enjoy:

10. Optional Topping – Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Triple Chocolate Cookies – Add white and milk chocolate chips.
• Spiced Chocolate Cookies – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version – Substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
• Extra Fudgy – Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, but dark brown sugar adds more moisture and deeper caramel notes.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides the best deep chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa powder works too.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

How do I get a fudgier texture?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar and slightly underbake the cookies.

Can I add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor?

Absolutely! 1 teaspoon of espresso powder deepens the chocolate taste.

Why did my cookies turn out too flat?

Make sure to chill the dough for thicker cookies, and don’t overmix the batter.

Can I substitute oil for butter?

Butter gives the best texture, but melted coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for better structure.

Can I make these cookies extra crispy?

Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier texture.

What pairs well with these cookies?

Enjoy them with milk, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Conclusion

These Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a sprinkle of sea salt, or packed with chocolate chips, they are sure to become a new favorite. Try them today and treat yourself to a decadent chocolate experience!

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