Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies – Perfect for Decorating

If you love rich, chocolatey cookies that hold their shape beautifully, these Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies are just what you need! With a deep cocoa flavor, crisp edges, and a soft, slightly chewy center, these cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or enjoying on their own.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these chocolate cut-out cookies won’t spread while baking, making them ideal for detailed shapes like hearts, stars, or holiday designs. Whether you’re making cookies for a special occasion or just indulging in a chocolate treat, this easy, no-spread recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No-Spread Dough – Keeps sharp edges for perfectly shaped cookies.
✔ Rich Chocolate Flavor – Made with high-quality cocoa powder for deep, chocolatey taste.
✔ Perfect for Decorating – Smooth surface makes them ideal for royal icing.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special treats.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
✔ Electric Mixer – To cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
✔ Rolling Pin – For rolling out the dough evenly.
✔ Cookie Cutters – Choose your favorite shapes for perfect cut-outs.
✔ Baking Sheets – To bake the cookies evenly.
✔ Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat – To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
✔ Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions and flatten into discs.
2. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface (or between two sheets of parchment paper) to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still slightly soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate or Enjoy!

1. Once fully cooled, you can decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or melted chocolate, or simply dust them with powdered sugar.
2. Enjoy as is, or store for later!

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Tips for the Best Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

✔ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – It enhances the chocolate flavor for a richer taste.
✔ Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough – This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookie shapes sharp.
✔ Roll Dough Evenly – An even thickness ensures consistent baking.
✔ Bake Just Until Set – Overbaking can make cookies too hard; they’ll continue firming up as they cool.
✔ Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Decorating – This prevents icing from melting or running.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make It Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free Option – Substitute vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Extra Chocolatey – Stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Chocolate – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder for a spiced twist.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Storing Baked Cookies

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Cookie Dough

• Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Place baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Why did my cookies spread?

Make sure you chill the dough properly, and avoid overworking it when rolling.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Absolutely! These cookies provide a perfectly smooth surface for royal icing designs.

Can I make these cookies softer or crispier?

For softer cookies, bake for a shorter time (8 minutes). For crispier cookies, bake for 10-12 minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and divide the dough into four portions before chilling.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies are the perfect base for beautifully decorated treats or a simple chocolate indulgence. Their rich cocoa flavor, crisp edges, and soft center make them ideal for holidays, birthdays, or everyday baking.

Whether you’re decorating them with royal icing, adding a dusting of powdered sugar, or dipping them in chocolate, these cookies will look as good as they taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade chocolate cookies that hold their shape perfectly!

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