Name: Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Sugar; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 2 1/3 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 12 Tablespoons Salted Butter (3/4 cup or 1 1/2 sticks, softened); 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup; 3 to 4 Tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk; Chocolate Sprinkles or any sprinkles (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you are searching for a truly indulgent treat, this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. These cookies have a wonderfully rich cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, topped with a luscious, creamy chocolate frosting that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a decadent little pick-me-up, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between soft, chewy cookies and smooth, sweet frosting that you won’t be able to resist coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight round chocolate cookies cooling on a metal wire rack. Each cookie has one thick layer of smooth, dark chocolate frosting spread on top with visible swirl patterns that create a shiny, textured surface. On one side of the frosting on each cookie, there is a small pile of dark brown chocolate sprinkles that add a slightly rough texture. The cookies themselves are dark brown and look soft but firm, contrasting slightly with the darker frosting. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean background to the rich chocolate colors photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic in your kitchen. Each component plays a special role, from the butter that gives the cookies richness and softness, to the cocoa powder supplying that deep chocolate flavor, and the powdered sugar in the frosting providing just the right touch of sweetness and texture.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a tender, rich base for the cookie dough, ensuring moist, chewy cookies.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that lovely golden texture.
Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s complexity.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and give the cookies structure and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolatey goodness with a warm, comforting aroma.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Key to that rich, dark chocolate taste in both the cookies and the frosting.
Flour (2 1/3 cups): The sturdy backbone that holds everything together with just the right bite.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Little bursts of melty, gooey chocolate to surprise your palate.
Salted Butter (12 tablespoons, softened): The creamy base of the frosting, adding richness and smoothness.
Powdered Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading perfection.
Light Corn Syrup (2 tablespoons): Gives the frosting a silky texture and beautiful shine.
Heavy Cream or Milk (3 to 4 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to creamy, dreamy goodness.
Chocolate Sprinkles or any sprinkles: Fun and pretty decoration to make your cookies even more inviting.

How to Make Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to get it ready for baking these delectable cookies. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides; you want every bit of flavor mixed uniformly!

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the two large eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat this together for an additional minute. The eggs help bind everything together while the vanilla adds that lovely warmth that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients just until everything is combined—you want to avoid overmixing which can make the cookies tough. Finally, fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips to promise melty pockets of chocolaty delight in every bite.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them at least two inches apart. For those who fancy a flatter cookie, gently press down on the dough balls before baking. Pop them into your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies will continue to bake slightly after you remove them from the oven. Let them cool completely before frosting for perfect texture.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating softened butter until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then mix in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream or milk until the mixture becomes smooth, voluptuous, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with more cream or milk if needed to get that dreamy frosting texture.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Spread the luscious chocolate frosting evenly over your cooled cookies with a knife or spatula. For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle chocolate sprinkles or any colorful sprinkles of your choice over the top. This final step not only makes them look irresistible but adds an exciting crunch to your bites!

How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe

The image shows seven dark chocolate cookies laid out on a silver cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one thick layer of smooth, glossy, dark brown chocolate frosting covering the top. On parts of the frosting, a cluster of small, dark chocolate sprinkles adds texture and contrast. The cookies have a round, slightly uneven shape with a soft, rich texture. The photo captures close-up details of the frosting swirls and the shiny sprinkles, showing a homemade and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe from delicious to downright show-stopping. Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top for a salty-sweet contrast, or add mini chocolate chips and edible gold dust for a holiday-worthy presentation. Fresh mint leaves alongside can bring a refreshing flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with cold glasses of milk, hot coffee, or creamy vanilla ice cream. Offering a scoop of ice cream on the side lets you have your very own chocolate cookie sundae. A dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries can also add a delightful touch of freshness to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies stacked high on a decorative platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for a glamorous effect. Pack them in mason jars layered with parchment paper for charming gifts. Or create a cookie sandwich filled with a layer of extra frosting or peanut butter for a delightful twist that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the frosting is fully set before stacking to avoid smudging. This way, you can enjoy freshly satisfying cookies anytime without baking fresh batches every day.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for later, they freeze beautifully. Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting. Alternatively, you can freeze frosted cookies on a tray and then wrap them gently, but thaw carefully to keep the frosting intact.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, gently warm your cookies in the oven for about 5 minutes at 300 degrees or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips inside and softens the cookie while leaving the frosting just creamy enough to delight your senses. Avoid overheating to maintain the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key in this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe for its flavor and texture, but you could try margarine as a substitute. Using oil is not recommended as it will change the cookie’s texture and richness significantly. For best results, stick with real butter!

How do I make the cookies less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated and brown sugars slightly, but keep in mind this will affect the texture and moisture. You can also cut back on powdered sugar in the frosting or balance sweetness by adding a pinch of sea salt on top.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips will make your cookies sweeter and creamier, so adjust your frosting sweetness accordingly if you want to keep the balance perfect. Both versions deliver delicious results, so choose to match your taste buds’ desire.

What if I don’t have corn syrup for the frosting?

Light corn syrup helps keep the frosting smooth and glossy, but you can use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor might shift slightly, but it will still be delicious with a bit of extra warmth.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend in the same amount. Just make sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies from falling apart. The texture may be a bit different, but your Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe will still shine!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie crowned with rich, creamy chocolate frosting, and this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe hits all those delightful notes perfectly. It’s a recipe that brings comfort and joy every time you make it, whether for family gatherings, special celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with these scrumptious cookies as much as I have.