Dark Chocolate Cookies

Dark Chocolate Cookies are rich, decadent treats with a deep cocoa flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for chocolate lovers, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and slightly bitter, making them a luxurious addition to any dessert table or an indulgent everyday snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it delivers an intense chocolate experience with simple ingredients and easy steps. The cookies have a beautiful soft center with slightly crisp edges, and the dark chocolate flavor is perfectly satisfying without being overly sweet. They’re ideal for holiday baking, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a truly chocolate-forward dessert.

ingredients

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

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

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 9–11 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes

Variations

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Mix in dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Use a mix of dark and white chocolate chips for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

Yes, but dark cocoa powder provides a deeper, richer flavor that makes these cookies stand out.

How can I make the cookies extra soft?

Do not overbake them. Pull them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

What kind of dark chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for the best flavor.

Can I add espresso powder to the dough?

Yes, a small amount of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm or if the dough feels too soft.

Are these cookies very sweet?

No, they are less sweet than traditional chocolate cookies, with a richer and more complex chocolate flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough balls, and gently shape the cookies with a spoon right after baking if needed.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in the recipe.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves bold, rich chocolate flavor paired with a soft, chewy texture. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite whenever you’re in the mood for a luxurious homemade dessert.

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