Easter is the perfect time to indulge in sweet, chocolatey treats, and these Double Chocolate Easter Cookies are the ultimate holiday dessert. Soft and chewy with a rich chocolate base, these cookies are packed with gooey chocolate chips and festive candy-coated chocolates. Imagine biting into a warm, fudgy cookie with melted chocolate bursting in every bite—pure bliss!
These cookies aren’t just about flavor; they bring a festive touch to your Easter table. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a fun Easter egg hunt, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, they’re a guaranteed hit. Plus, they’re super easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal effort. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies in no time.
Why You’ll Love These Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
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Ultra Chocolatey – These cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream, with cocoa powder and two kinds of chocolate chips.
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Festive & Fun – The addition of pastel candy-coated chocolates makes them perfect for Easter.
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Soft & Chewy – They have the perfect texture—crispy edges with a fudgy center.
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Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just mix, scoop, and bake!
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Customizable – Swap in different mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate for a unique twist.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepped ahead of time and baked fresh when needed.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Yield: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
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Calories: 180
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 15g
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup milk chocolate chips
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¾ cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft texture in the cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This prevents any clumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Candy
Gently fold in the semisweet and milk chocolate chips along with the pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates. This adds a festive Easter touch.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for an extra gooey treat!
Ingredient Background
Chocolate is the heart and soul of these cookies, and understanding its role can elevate your baking game. Cocoa powder is responsible for the deep chocolate flavor in the dough. It’s made by grinding cocoa beans and removing most of the cocoa butter, leaving behind a fine, rich powder. The type of cocoa powder used can affect the flavor, with Dutch-processed cocoa providing a smoother taste and natural cocoa offering a more intense, slightly acidic bite.
Semisweet and milk chocolate chips add texture and bursts of flavor. Semisweet chocolate contains a balanced amount of sugar and cocoa solids, giving it a deep yet sweet flavor, while milk chocolate is creamier and more mellow. When combined, they create a layered chocolate experience in every bite. The melting process while baking gives that irresistible gooeyness that makes these cookies stand out.
Candy-coated chocolates bring a festive touch, but they also add crunch and additional sweetness. These little pops of color make the cookies visually appealing and extra fun for Easter. If you prefer a different texture, swapping them out for chopped nuts or white chocolate can create an entirely new variation while keeping the base recipe intact.
Technique Tips for Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
Achieving the perfect cookie texture depends on technique, and a few key steps make all the difference. One of the most important tips is to properly cream the butter and sugars together. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter and more tender cookie. Beating the butter and sugars until they’re pale and fluffy takes about two to three minutes with an electric mixer, ensuring a well-structured dough.
Chilling the dough is another game-changer. Since this recipe has a high butter content, chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The colder the dough, the thicker the cookies will be. If you prefer extra-thick cookies, chilling for an hour or even overnight will give you that rich, bakery-style texture. The resting period also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
Finally, baking time is crucial. The key to soft, chewy cookies is removing them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked. The residual heat continues to cook them on the baking sheet, so taking them out at the right moment ensures they stay soft in the center. If you bake them until they look fully set, they might turn out crunchier than intended.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
For a fun Easter-themed presentation, consider turning these cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading a layer of vanilla or chocolate frosting between two cookies. This not only makes them extra indulgent but also adds a decorative touch if you pipe the frosting neatly around the edges. You can also roll the sides in crushed candy-coated chocolates for an even more festive look.
If you’re serving these cookies for an Easter party, try stacking them in a tiered display with a few pastel-colored sprinkles scattered around. Presentation matters just as much as taste, and arranging the cookies beautifully can make them even more irresistible. Pairing them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee on the side enhances the experience and makes them perfect for an afternoon treat.
Another fun idea is using cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking. While traditional cookies are round, you can press the dough into egg or bunny-shaped molds for a more thematic presentation. This works best when the dough is well-chilled, as it holds its shape better when baked. Adding a drizzle of white chocolate over the top in a zigzag pattern makes them even more visually stunning.
Freezing and Storing Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. To freeze the dough, scoop it into individual cookie portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls into an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them directly onto a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
For baked cookies, ensure they are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days. If you need them to last longer, freezing is a great option. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
If you like your cookies extra soft, storing them with a slice of bread in the container can help maintain their moisture. The cookies absorb the moisture from the bread, keeping them fresher for longer. This simple trick works wonders, especially for chocolate-based cookies that tend to dry out more quickly.
Healthier Twist Ideas
For a slightly healthier version of these cookies, you can swap out some of the ingredients without sacrificing flavor. One easy change is replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and nutrients while still maintaining a soft texture. Whole wheat flour has a nuttier flavor that complements the rich chocolate, giving the cookies a slightly deeper taste.
Another modification is using coconut oil instead of butter. Coconut oil adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor while reducing the saturated fat content. If you prefer a more neutral taste, refined coconut oil works best. This swap can also make the cookies dairy-free, as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips as well.
Reducing the sugar is another option for a slightly healthier cookie. You can cut the sugar by about ¼ cup without significantly altering the texture. Using natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or honey can also provide a different depth of flavor while making the cookies a bit more wholesome.
Serving Suggestions for Events
These cookies are ideal for Easter gatherings, whether you’re hosting a brunch, an egg hunt, or a casual get-together. Placing them in Easter-themed treat bags tied with pastel ribbons makes them perfect party favors. Kids and adults alike will love receiving a bag of homemade cookies as a festive take-home treat.
For a dessert platter, you can pair these cookies with other Easter-themed treats like carrot cake muffins, lemon bars, or marshmallow-filled cupcakes. Mixing different textures and flavors makes for a well-rounded dessert table that satisfies a variety of tastes. A simple garnish of fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch when serving them at a more formal event.
If you’re planning an Easter picnic, these cookies are easy to transport and don’t require refrigeration. Packing them in a decorative tin or airtight container keeps them fresh while making them easy to carry. Serving them alongside fresh fruit and a light whipped cream dip creates a balanced, shareable treat for an outdoor celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate chips can be substituted for milk chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is recommended for the best texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them immediately with slightly more spread.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to measure your flour accurately and don’t skip the chilling step. Using parchment paper instead of greased baking sheets also helps.
5. Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips can be swapped in for a sweeter, creamier variation.
6. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature in an airtight container.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and chill the dough accordingly.
8. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition for added crunch.
9. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works as a substitute.
10. What’s the best way to reheat frozen cookies?
A quick 10-second microwave blast makes them taste fresh out of the oven.
Conclusion
Double Chocolate Easter Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich cocoa flavor with gooey chocolate chips and festive candy-coated chocolates. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for any Easter gathering. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a family brunch, or just for yourself, these cookies will become a go-to recipe every spring.
With simple ingredient swaps, storage tips, and creative serving ideas, you can tailor these cookies to fit any occasion. Their irresistible texture and festive look make them a must-have for your Easter celebrations. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the most chocolatey, delicious cookies of the season.
Print
Double Chocolate Easter Cookies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ¾ cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft texture in the cookies.
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This prevents any clumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Gently fold in the semisweet and milk chocolate chips along with the pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates. This adds a festive Easter touch.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for an extra gooey treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g