Name: Soft Frosted Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup Granulated sugar; 1 cup Light brown sugar (packed); 1 Large egg; 2 tablespoons Cream ((or half-and-half)); 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (heaping); 1 teaspoon Instant espresso granules ((optional)); 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 6 ounces Cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup Confectioners sugar ((sifted)); Chocolate sprinkles or shavings (for decoration)

When it comes to dessert, few things can beat the allure of a freshly baked cookie. And if you’re anything like me, you love a cookie that is soft, chewy, and generously frosted. Enter the unforgettable Soft Frosted Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Cookies. These cookies are not just any treat; they are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor, the comforting texture of chocolate chips, and the sweet touch of cream cheese frosting topped with colorful sprinkles.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and discover why they work every time!

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of these cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips delivers a deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness. The addition of cream cheese frosting not only enhances the texture but also adds a tangy contrast that elevates the overall taste. Each bite is a perfect blend of soft cookie and creamy frosting, making these cookies utterly irresistible.

Ingredient Notes

Unsalted butter: Essential for rich flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The combination provides the perfect sweetness and moisture.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
Cream or half-and-half: Adds moisture; you can use milk if that’s what you have on hand.
McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: A quality vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Adds depth to the chocolate flavor.
Instant espresso granules: Optional, but they intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For that extra chocolatey goodness.
Cream cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the cookies.
Confectioners sugar: For a smooth frosting texture.
Chocolate sprinkles or shavings: Adds a fun and festive touch!

Toolbox for This Recipe

Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients smoothly.
Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
Baking sheet: A sturdy base for your cookies.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies.
Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly for the best texture.

Mastering Soft Frosted Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Cookies: How-To

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup light brown sugar (packed). Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Cream

Add 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons cream (or half-and-half), and 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract to the mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, heaping 1/2 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon instant espresso granules (if using), 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies soft.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Cool on a Rack

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together 6 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup confectioners sugar (sifted), and 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting and top with chocolate sprinkles or shavings to your liking.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Use lite cream cheese in the frosting to reduce calories.
Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and less sugar.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you’re looking for a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a little heat!
Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or even crushed nuts for added texture.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

The Soft Frosted Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Cookies can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Questions People Ask

Can I use butter instead of margarine for the frosting?

Yes, using butter will give your frosting a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?

You can use Greek yogurt or whipped topping as a lighter alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and elevate the flavor profile.

Weekend Projects

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies: A healthier spin on a classic favorite.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Perfect for the fall season with a delicious twist.
Dulce De Leche Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: A decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the complete guide to making Soft Frosted Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to delight everyone who tries them. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and enjoy the wonderful aroma of chocolatey goodness wafting through your kitchen. Happy baking!