Winter Spice Cocoa Burst (Print Version)

Tender sugar cookies with rich cocoa and warm winter spices, ideal for festive moments and cozy nights.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Wet Ingredients

10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 large egg
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

14 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the rolling sugar and cinnamon.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
08 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
10 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend makes these taste like Christmas in cookie form without being overwhelming
  • They stay soft for days which is basically a miracle for sugar cookies
  • The rolling step takes two seconds but makes them look professionally done
02 -
  • Underbaking slightly is better than overbaking. They continue cooking on the hot sheet.
  • The dough needs to chill for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm or the cookies will spread too much.
  • Fresh spices make a huge difference. Check your expiration dates.
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size so they all bake at the same rate
  • Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even browning
  • Let the rolling sugar mixture cling to the dough. Do not shake off the excess.

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