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Cocoa Powder Cookies Recipe

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I adore the rich, intense flavor of chocolate, and this Cocoa Powder Cookies Recipe captures that decadence flawlessly! With a base of deep cocoa blended perfectly with a hint of coffee, these cookies are finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, making each bite a luxurious chocolate experience!

Easy cocoa powder cookies on parchment paper.

Cocoa Powder Cookies Recipe

These Cocoa Powder Cookies are where simplicity meets sophistication in every bite. Rich is cocoa powder, these pillowy soft cookies with crisp edges meltaway in your mouth.

This recipe starts with the classic creaminess of salted butter, melted and mixed with granulated sugar, creating the perfect base for these delectable easy cocoa powder cookies.

Each cookie is enriched with natural unsweetened cocoa powder, which offers a deep chocolate flavor that’s beautifully balanced with a hint of instant coffee powder, enhancing the chocolatey depth.

For a finishing touch, a light dusting of cocoa powder adds an extra layer of chocolate elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, these cocoa powder cookies promise to deliver a delicious treat!

Two cocoa powder cookies stacked.

What is the Best Cocoa for Cookies?

The best cocoa for cookies is either natural unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa powder. Natural cocoa powder provides a light, fruity chocolate flavor, ideal for general baking.

Dutch-process cocoa powder, which has been treated to neutralize its acids, offers a smoother, more mellow chocolate flavor and darker color, making it great for rich and intense chocolate cookies.

For the deepest, most luxurious chocolate flavor, a high-quality Dutch-process cocoa is often the preferred choice.

Cocoa powder cookies preparation.

Can I use Cacao Powder Instead of Cocoa Powder?

Yes, you can use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder in these cookies, but keep in mind that cacao is less processed and can have a more intense and slightly bitter flavor compared to coco powder.

Cacao also retains more of its natural fats, which might slightly alter the texture of your cookies, making them richer and denser. Just remember to use it in a one-to-one ratio when replacing cocoa powder.

Expert Tips

  • Butter Temperature: Ensure the melted butter is only slightly warm when mixing with the sugar. If it’s too hot, it can cook the egg when added, affecting the texture of your cookies.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip chilling the dough; this step is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helps intensify the flavors.
  • Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly and finish at the same time.
  • Do Not Overbake: To keep the centers soft, remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Small cracks will develop on top of each cookie and they will continue to set on the baking sheet.

What Does Adding Coffee Powder Do to the Cookies?

The coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor of the cocoa powder, making the cookies richer and more intense without adding a coffee flavor.

Can I use Unsalted Butter Instead of Salted Butter?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavors of the cookies.

Cocoa powder cookies assembly.

Day of Baking

Delight in a day of baking with these hand-picked recipes designed to bring variety to your day including these simple cocoa powder cookies for afternoon tea!

Breakfast: Blender Crepes

Morning Snack: Easy Chocolate Slice

Decadent Dessert: Passionfruit Truffles

Heart warming drink: Hot Cacao

Cocoa powder cookies dusted with cocoa.

How to store Cocoa Powder Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pillow soft cocoa powder cookies.

If you enjoy this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️ star rating and a comment review below. I love to hear what you think and it’s much appreciated. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Sam x

Cocoa Powder Cookies Recipe

Samantha Pickthall
These Cocoa Powder Cookies are rich with deep chocolate flavor enhanced by a hint of coffee. Perfectly pillowy soft centers with crisp edges!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cookies
Calories 168 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 113 g (1 stick) salted butter
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (150g/8 oz.) all-purpose flour, scoop & leveled
  • 1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder, or Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp instant coffee powder

Instructions
 

  • Melt Butter: Over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, use a microwave in 30-second bursts. Transfer to a large bowl and cool until slightly warm.
  • Prepare Wet Mixture: To the cooled melted butter, add the sugar and whisk for 20 seconds. Whisk through the egg until well combined.
  • Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa, cornstarch, and baking soda. Add the coffee powder. Mix until a thick dough forms.
  • Chill: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat Oven: To 356ºF (180ºC) fan-forced. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Form Cookies: Scoop 40g/1.4 oz (or 1 heaped tablespoon) of dough, roll into tall balls, and place on the tray, spaced 10cm apart. Do not flatten balls.
  • Bake: 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Remove and tap the tray on your bench top or stove top 3 times to help slightly deflate.
  • Cool: Let the cookies sit on the sheet for 15 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust Cocoa: Once cookies have cooled, dust them with cocoa powder. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
 
  • Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 112mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 255IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!

2 Comments

5 from 1 vote

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