Only 8 Ingredients to Make These Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies:

1. All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any great cookie, all-purpose flour provides the structure that holds these cookies together. It creates a tender, yet firm texture that makes these cookies perfect for slicing and baking without spreading too much.
2. Cocoa Powder: The star of this recipe, cocoa powder not only gives the cookies their rich, deep chocolate flavor but also their distinctive dark color. Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the final product.
3. Baking Soda: Acting as a leavening agent, baking soda gives these cookies a slight rise and helps them achieve that perfect balance between soft and chewy. It also helps the cookies brown evenly in the oven, enhancing their flavor.
4. Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolatey notes. Even though it’s just a pinch, it makes a big difference.
5. Butter: Butter is the key to these cookies’ rich flavor and tender crumb. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing—it should be soft but not melted. This ensures that it creams smoothly with the sugar, trapping air that gives the cookies a light, delicate texture.
6. Granulated Sugar: Sugar does more than just sweeten these cookies. It also plays a role in their texture, helping to create a slight crispness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. When creamed with butter, sugar also contributes to the leavening process by creating air pockets in the dough.
7. Eggs: Eggs are the binding agents that bring everything together. They add moisture and richness, helping the dough hold its shape when sliced and baked. They also contribute to the cookie’s structure and provide a tender crumb.
8. Vanilla Extract: Although it’s a small addition, vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile of these cookies by adding warmth and depth. It complements the chocolate, making the overall taste more complex and satisfying.

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture for later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and almost white in color. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until no dry bits remain and the dough is smooth.
5. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a log about 2.5 inches in diameter for large cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, you can divide the dough into two smaller logs. Wrap the dough log(s) tightly in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
6. Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Slice and Bake: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 3/8-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, rotating the cookie sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. Then, using a thin spatula, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Storage and Serving: Once cooled, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Serve them plain, or add a special touch with chocolate frosting or a homemade chocolate buttercream. Sprinkles are optional, but always fun!

Enjoy your delicious slice-and-bake chocolate sugar cookies! Perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself.