Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat with a perfect balance of sweetness from the sugar cookie and richness from the chocolate. Here's a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)
2-3 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling the cookies)
For the Chocolate Dip:
8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
Directions:
For the Sugar Cookies:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth (about 3 minutes).
Add the egg and both extracts (vanilla and almond). Continue mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Dip:
Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips) and the vegetable oil (optional for smoother dipping).
Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler.
Dip the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, dip about half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. You can dip the entire cookie or just one side.
Gently tap the cookie on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
Set the Cookies:
Place the dipped cookies onto parchment paper or a cooling rack. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate has hardened, the cookies are ready to enjoy!
These chocolate-dipped sugar cookies are a perfect combination of soft, sweet, and rich flavors. You can also add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top for an extra touch.