Recipe For Chocolate Italian Cookies
Chocolate Italian cookies are a rich, flavorful treat made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and eggs. Often flavored with vanilla or almond extract, the dough is shaped into small balls or crescents and baked until firm. These cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying with a sweet drink.
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 180kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spoon
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is fully combined.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts
- Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using). This will give the cookies that delightful crunch and rich chocolatey bite.
Scoop and Shape the Dough
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can lightly flatten each cookie if you prefer a thinner texture.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!
Notes
For the best texture, use high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can customize these cookies by adding nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for extra crunch. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze the dough for future baking.