Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Melted chocolate or dipping chocolate (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛ inch thick.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, or simply slice into squares.
  9. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
  11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
  12. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.