The Best Chocolate Chip Black Cocoa Cookies

Chocolate chip black cocoa cookies are the perfect Halloween cookies to make during the holiday season. Or for kids or your adult friends that are absolute chocolate lovers.

But don’t worry, since they don’t have any crazy decorations they are perfect anytime of the year. I pretty much make them when I want something intensely chocolatey or when I want to impress my friend with a black chocolate chip cookie!

If this is the first time you’re trying it, it will blow your mind how much of a difference it makes.

Since you are here and love double chocolate cookies, check out this Crumbl Dark Dream Cookies or these Crumbl Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cookies.

Ingredients for these chocolate chip black cocoa cookies

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this cookie recipe with dark cocoa powder. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Butter: Use unsalted butter so that we can add the salt in separately later on. You will also want the butter to be softened so pull it out of the fridge a little while before you start to prepare the recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: helps sweeten the cocoa powder to turn it into a tasty treat.
• Light Brown Sugar: adds sweetness and also adds a light molasses flavor. Be sure to use light, dark brown sugar would change the flavor too much.
• Large Egg: helps create the structure and allows the ingredients to stay together.
• Vanilla Extract: is always used in chocolate desserts to help enhance the natural chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: combines with the wet ingredients to create the dough-like consistency.
• Cornstarch: helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture. It interferes with gluten development, which is crucial in keeping the cookies soft rather than tough or chewy.
• Black Cocoa Powder: is the key ingredient in these chocolate chip black cocoa cookies. It is different from regular Dutch cocoa powder and has an even stronger chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: helps the cookies rise and makes them more airy so they’re not as dense.
• Salt: balances out the sweetness while enhancing all of the flavors within the cookie.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: create an extra layer of chocolate flavor and texture as they melt into the dough.

How to make these Chocolate chip black cocoa cookies

This is how you can make these dark chocolate cookies. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, bake time, and full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Scoop about 2 tablespoon and roll dough into cookie dough balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to get every last drop.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until set in the middle with crisp edges.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tip

Use a kitchen scale to measure out your dry ingredients, specifically the flour. It will help give you a more accurate measurement which will ensure you get the best results.

Why do you need to make this recipe!

• This easy recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. (Plus the black cocoa powder which I linked above for you!)
• If you’re a fan of the way an Oreo cookie tastes, you’re going to love these! Because Oreos use black cocoa powder to get that Oreo-y flavor so these have similar notes!
• The next time you’re in the mood for regular double chocolate chip cookies, make these instead!

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

What is black cocoa powder?

Black cocoa powder is a type of cocoa powder that has been heavily alkalized to give it a deep, dark color and a different tasty flavor.

The flavor of black cocoa powder is smoother and less bitter than regular Dutch-process cocoa powder due to the alkalization process.

It has a subtle, almost Oreo-like taste, making it popular in recipes that benefit from a deep chocolate flavor without the sharpness of natural cocoa.

What is the difference between black cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder?

Both cocoa powders come from the same cocoa beans, the only difference between the two is the alkalization process.

It essentially just boils down to their pH levels. The normal alkalization process for regular cocoa powder puts its pH around 5 or 6. While black cocoa powder goes through a heavier alkalization process which puts its pH around 7 or higher.

This difference in alkalization affects every aspect of the cocoa powder including color, taste, texture, and acidity.

How do I store leftover chocolate chip black cocoa cookies?

Put your leftover cookies into an airtight container and place them on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. They should last for 3-4 days at room temperature or for up to a week in the fridge.

Can I freeze them?

Definitley!

Make sure you wait until they are completely cool then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Once you are ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature then enjoy with a large cup of cold milk!

what other ways can i use black cocoa powder?

• Cakes: For creating strikingly dark chocolate cakes or cupcakes.
• Brownies: To enhance the color and depth of flavor.
• Frostings and fillings: To add a dramatic look and smooth chocolate taste.

what other flavors can i try with these chocolate chip black cocoa cookies?

• Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips: ​Use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips. Each will have it’s own distinct flavor.
• Add a drizzle of peanut butter​ into the dough before they bake or after they’re out of the oven.
• Make a royal icing or sugar coating frosting to go with it.

The Best Chocolate Chip Black Cocoa Cookies

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