Name: Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar ((light or dark)); 1 large Egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/8 teaspoon Salt ((optional))

Jump to Recipe

Chocolate lovers, get ready for a cookie experience that’s irresistibly chewy, decadent, and packed with bold flavors! These Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate cookie, pairing the deep richness of dark cocoa with the sweet, caramel-like notes of brown sugar. When I first baked a batch of these cookies for my family movie night, they disappeared before the previews were done! That’s the magic of this recipe: quick, fuss-free, and completely crave-worthy.

What makes these cookies stand out? They’re not just easy and fast (done in under 30 minutes!), but they also deliver a perfect harmony of soft centers and slightly crisp edges. You’ll love them just as much as our ever-popular Soft Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies—another blog favorite with fans! Ready to impress your loved ones and make a new family tradition? Let’s get baking!

What is Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies?

Ever heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? These cookies might just be living proof! Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies get their name from the dreamy duo of, you guessed it, unsweetened dark cocoa and rich brown sugar. And honestly, isn’t that enough to get anyone’s heart racing? Maybe the name doesn’t roll off the tongue, but once you’ve tried a bite, you’ll see—these cookies are all about bold flavor and ooey-gooey happiness. Who needs complicated names when you can have simple, chocolatey joy? Give them a try and see why my friends request these at every get-together!

Why You’ll Love This

There’s a lot to adore about these cookies! The main highlight? That rich, deep chocolate flavor, enhanced by the unique sweetness of brown sugar. These cookies taste gourmet, but you won’t break the bank making them—every ingredient is pantry-friendly and simple, saving you both time and money compared to buying expensive bakery cookies.

Another reason to fall in love? The texture! Soft with a slight crunch on the edge, they’re perfect for dunking in milk or pairing with your favorite toppings: sprinkle with flaky sea salt, stuff with peanut butter chips, or sandwich together with marshmallow spread for a treat that’s over-the-top delicious.

Love classic chocolate chip cookies? These are your next-level upgrade. If you’ve enjoyed my Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies, you’ll definitely want to try this recipe next. Don’t wait—grab that mixing bowl and let’s make some cookie magic!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Ready for cookies in a snap? This recipe is beginner-friendly, takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and fills your kitchen with the aroma of deep, dark chocolate. No fancy equipment or hard-to-source ingredients—just simple steps and standout flavor! The rich dark cocoa powder and dreamy brown sugar combine for a mood-boosting cookie experience. All you’ll need is a hand mixer (or a trusty spatula!), a single mixing bowl, and a love for great cookies.

Stack of dark chocolate brown sugar cookies on parchment paper

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Sift together the flour, dark cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt (if using) into a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Don’t overmix!
The dough will be thick and fudgy. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges look set but the centers look slightly underdone. Do not overbake—these cookies finish setting as they cool!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

What to Serve Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies With

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a true classic combo! For a more grown-up pairing, try an espresso or strong black coffee—the bitterness complements the deep chocolate flavor perfectly. Hosting a party? Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sandwiched around marshmallow fluff for the ultimate dessert treat. Fresh berries on the side highlight the richness, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking can take these cookies to gourmet heights.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for easier mixing and even baking.
For extra gooeyness, slightly underbake and allow the residual heat to finish the job.
Try swapping the chocolate chips or adding in chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
If you only have regular cocoa powder, you can use it, but dark cocoa will give you the best, deepest chocolate taste.
Not a fan of super-sweet cookies? Use dark brown sugar for an even richer, less sweet profile.
Scoop dough evenly for consistent baking—using a cookie scoop is a game changer!
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if you want thicker, puffier cookies, especially on warmer days.
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, as this can make cookies tough.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they stay soft for days! For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked effect. For unbaked dough, freeze individual dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, just adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. Perfect for emergency cookie cravings!

FAQs

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste amazing.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa?
Yes! The cookies will be lighter in color and milder in flavor, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Cornstarch gives the cookies a tender texture, but you can leave it out if needed. The cookies may be a bit crispier.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Add up to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, chopped walnuts, or pecans all work beautifully.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?
Be sure not to overbake. The cookies should look a little soft in the center when you take them out; they’ll set as they cool.

Conclusion

These Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat—rich, soft, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, all balanced by the cozy sweetness of brown sugar. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie platter, a rainy afternoon snack, or sneaking one with your morning coffee, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. Don’t be surprised if these become your new favorite chocolate cookie recipe! Give them a try and let us know what you think. And if you’re craving more cookie inspiration, check out some of our other popular chocolatey treats. Happy baking!