Chocolate Sugar Cookies

I love my classic Sugar Cookie
recipe, but every girl needs to switch it up sometimes. And if there were ever a time to make a traditional cookie chocolate, it is for Valentines Day!

My daughter Pia and my niece Madison were just itching to get their hands on the frosting and sprinkles. They had almost as much fun as I did! These are fun for taking to school or the office for a Valentines Day Party, or for packaging in cellophane bags as Valentines for special loved ones. Either way, have fun!

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
2 yolks (save the whites for the icing)
1 3/4 cups AP flour
1 cup cocoa powder

Cream together the butter and powder sugar with the pinch of salt.

Add the two egg yolks and beat to combine.

In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder and the flour.
Add the dry ingredients and mix into a dough.

Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate the dough until chilled or up to over night.

Preheat the oven to 325. Prepare sheet pans with silpats or parchment paper.

Roll the dough out with a small amount of powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out with cookie cutters.
Bake the cookies at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.

Decorate with royal icing and sugars.

Royal Icing:
2 egg whites
3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp extract (vanilla, almond or lemon)

Combine with an electric mixer until smooth. Adjust icing with water by the teaspoon until it is the desired consistency.

Divide into small bowls and color with food coloring. Decorate with icing and sprinkles!