If you’re searching for the perfect treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with fun, customizable shapes, then you’ve landed in the right place. This Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite—it brings together a tender, cocoa-infused dough that holds its shape beautifully, so you get those classic, crisp cookie edges every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of chocolaty goodness and charming presentation, making them irresistible for cookie lovers of all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny metal mixing bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a thick dark brown dough with a slightly crumbly texture. The dough clumps together in uneven chunks mostly gathered at the center of the bowl. A grey spatula with a silver handle rests inside the bowl, partly covered with the same dark dough. The inside walls of the bowl are smeared with the dough, showing its dense and moist consistency. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet powerful players in creating the texture, flavor, and structure of your cookies. Each one ensures your cookies come out just right—soft, chocolaty, and perfect for decorating.

All-purpose flour (2 cups / 260g): The backbone of the cookie, it provides structure and chewiness.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup / 85g): Gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp / 8g): Adds tenderness to your cookies by softening the flour’s bite.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps with gentle leavening for lighter texture.
Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Adds a slight lift without making the cookies too puffy.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and complements the cocoa.
Unsalted butter (1 cup / 224g), room temperature: Essential for richness, moisture, and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups / 259g): Sweetens the dough and helps with spreading and tenderness.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a little richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

How to Make Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and ready to bring your cookie dough to life with just the right balance of lift and chocolate intensity.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture turn lighter in color and become delightfully fluffy—that’s how you know the cookies will have a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Next, mix in the egg followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully combined. This step infuses your dough with moisture and warmth, creating that classic home-baked cookie flavor you just can’t resist.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until the cookie dough forms. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit crumbly at first! You can use a spatula or your hands to bring it all together into a smooth, thick dough ball.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Pop the dough in the fridge for at least an hour or up to three days. While you don’t have to chill it, this resting time makes the cookies more tender and helps maintain their cut-out shapes.

Step 6: Prepare for rolling

When you’re ready, take the dough out and allow it to reach room temperature for easier rolling. Divide it into two equal parts, then roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness. This prevents sticking and makes for smooth, even dough sheets.

Step 7: Chill dough before cutting shapes

Place the parchment-lined dough on a cookie sheet and freeze for 5 minutes. Once chilled, peel off the top parchment and immediately cut into your favorite shapes. Keeping the dough cold helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 8: Bake your cookies

Bake the cold cut-out cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they look set and just done. If they spread a bit more than you want, gently press the edges inward with a butter knife while they’re still warm to perfect the shape.

Step 9: Cool and decorate

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, go wild decorating with buttercream frosting, sugar cookie icing, or royal icing. The possibilities are endless!

How to Serve Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with dark brown cookies shaped like stars and hearts, arranged neatly with some cookies overlapping. The cookies have a smooth texture and matte finish. Around the dish, extra star-shaped cookies are scattered on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the rich brown color of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings are where you let your creativity shine. You can sprinkle edible glitter, add colorful sugar crystals, or pipe delicate icing details for a festive touch. Cocoa-rich cookies pair beautifully with bright white or pastel icings that make each shape pop.

Side Dishes

These chocolate cut out cookies are a dream alongside cold milk, but don’t stop there! Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of your favorite coffee or hot cocoa to elevate the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your decorated cookies with a ribbon for gifting, arranging them on a festive platter for parties, or packaging them individually in cute bags for favors. You can even use different cookie cutters themed for holidays or special occasions to keep things fun and visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and tender for up to a week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking and smudging your beautiful icing.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw it overnight before rolling and cutting. For baked cookies, freeze fully decorated or plain cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or bag.

Reheating

To bring a batch of cookies back to fresh-baked perfection, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and intensifies the chocolate flavor, making each bite just as delightful as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute Dutch-processed cocoa, but keep in mind it’s less acidic and darker, which may slightly affect the flavor and color. Adjust leavening if needed, but for this recipe, the difference is subtle.

How thick should I roll out the dough for cut out cookies?

About ¼ inch thickness is ideal—it ensures your cookies bake evenly and hold their shapes well without being too thick or too fragile.

What is the best method for decorating these cookies?

All three options—buttercream frosting, sugar cookie icing, and royal icing—work wonderfully. Royal icing dries hard and perfect for detailed designs, while buttercream offers creamy, rich flavor and sugar cookie icing is easier to tint and pipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but texture may vary. Adding xanthan gum often helps mimic the structure provided by gluten.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much during baking?

Keeping your dough cold before baking is key to preventing spread. Also, avoid over-creaming butter and sugar. If temperatures are warm, chilling cookie sheets between batches can help maintain shape.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making chocolate cut out cookies, especially when you see those familiar shapes come to life with rich chocolate flavor and your own personal touch decorating them. If you want a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat, this Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe is a must-try. So grab your rolling pin, put on your favorite playlist, and treat yourself and your loved ones to some cookie-making joy!