There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially when chocolate is involved. One chilly afternoon, I found myself craving a sweet treat but didn’t want to dive into extravagant baking. That’s when I stumbled upon my trusty recipe for Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies—an absolute game-changer for busy days or when you just want a quick indulgence!
These delightful cookies are perfect for those who cherish homemade goodness yet need convenience in their kitchen routine. With their soft, chocolaty texture and a simple, lush frosting, they quickly become a favorite, guaranteeing smiles from both family and friends. Whether you’re whipping them up for a friend’s gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies offer a delightful balance of ease and flavor that makes every moment sweet. So, let’s dive into the recipe that turns a simple craving into something spectacular!
Why are Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible sweetness: The rich, chocolaty flavor pairs exquisitely with the velvety frosting, creating a treat that’s utterly satisfying.
Effortless preparation: With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have fresh cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for sharing: Bring these delightful cookies to any gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
Versatile delight: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or pack them up for a sweet gift.
Kids’ favorite: These cookies are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making them a hit for family and friends alike!
Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• ½ cup butter – soften it for easy creaming to achieve a smooth texture.
• ¼ cup vegetable shortening – helps create a tender and moist cookie.
• ¾ cup sugar – adds sweetness and promotes a beautiful golden color.
• 1 large egg – provides structure and richness to the dough.
• 7 tablespoons cocoa – use unsweetened for that rich chocolate flavor in your cookies.
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour – ensure it’s sifted to avoid lumps and promote even mixing.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become perfectly fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ cup milk – keeps the dough moist and helps blend all the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – adds a lovely depth of flavor to your cookies.
For the Icing
• ¼ cup melted butter – ensures a smooth and glossy finish on your frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – sweetens the icing and provides a delightful texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – infuses a wonderful aroma and flavor into the icing.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk – adjust to achieve your desired icing consistency; a little goes a long way!
With these Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a deliciously indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any craving!
How to Make Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step sets the stage for evenly cooked, delightful cookies that are sure to please.
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Cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate the egg by beating it in well, ensuring it’s fully combined for a rich, delightful dough.
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Stir in the cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt gradually. Mix until no dry ingredients remain visible for a luscious chocolate base.
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Blend in the milk and vanilla until the dough is well combined. It should have a soft, gooey consistency that’s full of chocolatey goodness.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops slightly crack. They should look soft but no longer glossy.
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Prepare the icing by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust with more milk for your preferred icing consistency.
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Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a sweet, finishing touch that takes these treats to the next level.
Optional: Sprinkle with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies?
Indulging in delightful, soft cookies is even sweeter when paired with the right accompaniments that enhance the experience.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic choice, milk balances the sweetness while complementing the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side creates a luscious contrast, turning your cookies into an extraordinary dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: Light, juicy berries add a refreshing burst of flavor and a splash of color, perfect for those seeking a fruity touch with their chocolate.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully, providing a cozy, comforting vibe while you enjoy your sweet treats.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce on top will elevate every bite and create pure decadence.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some crunchy nuts for texture and a nutty contrast, enhancing the flavor profile of your cookies with each bite.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of this light, fluffy topping adds a tropical twist that unexpectedly complements the rich chocolate.
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Glazed Doughnuts: If you’re feeling adventurous, pair with a doughnut for a quirky dessert spread that’ll impress family and friends alike!
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Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea provides a lighter touch, perfect for evening indulgence and relaxation alongside your cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. To maintain their soft texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container. When you’re ready to enjoy these delicious treats, simply drizzle the icing over cooled cookies just before serving for that fresh and delightful finish. This means you can have a warm, homemade cookie treat ready with minimal effort during your busy week!
Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies Variations
Feel free to enhance these delicious cookies by trying out various creative twists and substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful, gluten-free treat.
- Nutty: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Nuts bring a warm, earthy note that complements the chocolate.
- Minty: Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty twist that will invigorate your taste buds. Perfect for mint lovers!
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate. It’s a flavor adventure!
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version. You won’t miss the egg one bit!
- Coffee-Infused: Blend in 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the dough for a mocha-inspired flavor that elevates the chocolate. Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
- Double Chocolate: Increase the cocoa to 1 cup and add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich, chocolaty cookie that’s perfect for true chocolate lovers. Get ready for chocolate overload!
- Fruity: Fold in ¾ cup of dried cherries or cranberries into the dough for a fruity burst that balances the rich chocolate beautifully. Now that’s a delightful surprise!
Tips for the Best Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies
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Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for your ingredients. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too sticky.
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Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
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Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center when done.
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Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
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Adjust Icing Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired drizzle-able consistency. This makes for a lovely topping on your frosted chocolate drop cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week in a sealed container. Bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frosted cookies, reheat at room temperature to avoid melting the icing.
Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of cocoa should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder, which provides deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness. This ensures your cookies taste rich and indulgent without becoming overly sweet.
How do I know when my cookies are baked properly?
Baking time can vary, but generally, you want to bake them for 10-12 minutes. Look for set edges and a slightly cracked top. They should appear soft in the center but not glossy; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
How should I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
For room temperature storage, place your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them for longer, they can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze my Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before frosting.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft to scoop?
If you find that your dough is too soft, simply refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it firmer and easier to work with, keeping your cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe does not contain any nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure all items are produced in a nut-free facility, just to be safe.
Decadent Frosted Chocolate Drop Cookies to Satisfy Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg by beating it in well.
- Stir in the cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt gradually.
- Blend in the milk and vanilla until well combined.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops slightly crack.
- Prepare the icing by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies.