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There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea, a treat for guests, or a little indulgence just for yourself, these cocoa biscuits are perfect for any occasion. They are rich in flavor, with a delightful balance of sweetness from powdered sugar and the unmistakable depth of cocoa powder. The butter gives them a melt-in-your-mouth quality, while a touch of vanilla and salt rounds off the flavor perfectly.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies are easy to bake, requiring just a few basic ingredients that most of us already have in the pantry. With minimal preparation and a short baking time, this is a fantastic recipe for those who want to whip up something delicious in a hurry. And because the recipe is customizable, you can adjust the sweetness or the intensity of the cocoa to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy a delicate, lightly sweet treat or a richer, more decadent cookie, these cocoa biscuits will deliver.

They are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The simplicity of the ingredients—flour, butter, cocoa powder, and sugar—makes them accessible for even the most novice bakers, while the results feel like a special indulgence. You can sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a little extra sweetness and a lovely sparkle, or get creative with chocolate chips or nuts to enhance the texture.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Flour – 270–280 grams (about 2 ¼ to 2 ½ cups)
Powdered sugar – 100 grams (about ½ cup)
Butter – 160 grams (about ¾ cup), softened

Egg – 1 large
Cocoa powder – 20 grams (about 2 tablespoons)
Baking powder – 1 tsp

Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Salt – a pinch, to taste
Sugar – for sprinkling (optional)

Steps to Make Cocoa Biscuits

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Soften the butter: Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature to make it easier to blend into the dough. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy mixture when combined with the other ingredients.
Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. Sifting helps remove lumps from the cocoa powder and ensures even distribution of the baking powder.

2. Make the Dough

Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or beat it by hand with a whisk.

Add the egg and vanilla: Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat well. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt) into the wet mixture, stirring continuously. Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to knead it into a soft, smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.

3. Shape the Cookies

Shape the dough into balls: Take small portions of dough (about a teaspoon size) and roll them into balls. If you want uniform size, you can use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon.

Flatten the balls: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form cookie discs. The cookies will spread slightly while baking, so leave enough space between each one.
Sprinkle sugar: If you like your cookies with a sweet finish, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie before baking. This will add a touch of sparkle and extra sweetness to the top.

4. Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) before you start baking. This ensures that the cookies will bake evenly and give you the perfect texture.

Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the cookies, so check them after 12 minutes. The cookies should be firm around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Cool the cookies: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

12-15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately 20-24 cookies, depending on size

Calories (Kcal)

Approximately 120-130 kcal per cookie (based on 24 servings)

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

These cocoa biscuits are a timeless recipe that blends simplicity with incredible flavor. The ingredients are basic and easy to find, yet they combine to create a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and texture. The butter provides a delicate richness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa powder, while the egg helps bind the ingredients together to create a smooth, pliable dough. The baking powder ensures the cookies have a slightly puffed texture without being too cakey.

This recipe is a wonderful example of how simple, affordable ingredients can come together to make something truly special. The beauty of cocoa biscuits lies in their versatility. They are perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving with tea or coffee. The subtle cocoa flavor makes them an excellent base for additional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. You can easily adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of powdered sugar, making them suitable for various palates.

Moreover, this recipe is accessible to both beginner and seasoned bakers, as it requires no fancy equipment or complicated techniques. The relatively short prep and bake time make it an ideal choice for a last-minute dessert or a quick sweet fix during the day. Their simplicity and deliciousness ensure that these cookies will remain a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cookie)

Calories: 120-130 kcal
Protein: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g

Sugar: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 35 mg

Potassium: 60 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well for this recipe. Cake flour is typically lighter and will produce slightly more tender cookies, but all-purpose flour will give you a deliciously crisp texture.

2. How do I store these cookies?
Store your cocoa biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies. Just fold them into the dough before shaping the cookies. You can also experiment with different types of chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help the cookies hold their shape.

Tips on How to Make

Use room-temperature butter: Softened butter blends better into the dough, giving your cookies a smooth and even texture.

Don’t overbake the cookies: They continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so take them out when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Customize the flavor: If you prefer a deeper cocoa flavor, you can add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate taste.

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will remain fresh and crisp.

Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to three months.

Conclusion

These cocoa biscuits are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, satisfying treat that is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet snack, these cookies deliver on flavor and texture every time. The rich cocoa flavor, combined with the buttery softness of the dough and the crispy edges, makes each bite irresistible.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins or tweak the flavors to suit your preferences. Their quick baking time makes them a go-to option for last-minute baking needs, and their delightful taste ensures they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With their timeless appeal, these cocoa biscuits will continue to bring joy to your kitchen for years to come. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy these simple, scrumptious cookies!