Description
These Coraline button cookies Inspired Chocolate Button Treats are whimsical chocolate cookies with a delightful cocoa aroma, perfect for a fun family baking activity. They are charmingly shaped like buttons and are a favorite for weekend baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g)
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (45 g)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp milk, if needed
Instructions
- Cream Butter And Sugar: Cream together 1 cup softened butter and 0.75 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl (or stand mixer) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, with visible aeration.
- Add Egg And Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined and the mixture looks smooth, about 1 minute.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt, ensuring no lumps.
- Combine Wet And Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, or cookies will be tough. (If it looks too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk one at a time.)
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm (feels cold to the touch). This prevents spreading.
- Preheat Oven And Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and consistent baking.
- Roll And Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 0.25-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch between cookies.
- Shape Buttonholes And Bake: For the buttonholes, gently press a skewer or the back of a small round piping tip into the center of each unbaked cookie, making two or four holes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and cookies are fragrant. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use good quality ingredients like European-style butter, Dutch-processed cocoa, and pure vanilla extract for best flavor. Consider a stand mixer for quick prep and mise en place for efficiency. For variations, add 0.25 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp orange zest for warmth, 0.25 tsp peppermint extract for mint, or reduce sugar by 0.25 cup for less sweetness. Gluten-free option requires a 1:1 blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. For colorful buttons, candy melts are a great affordable choice.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies (70 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: chocolate cookies, button cookies, Coraline, family recipe, easy dessert, whimsical, cocoa, baking, kid-friendly