Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Teresa Ambra

Teresa’s Bake Shop – Christmas Cookie Extravaganza – 2012

These delightful Chocolate Drop Cookies were my favorite cookies out of all the different cookies my mom baked when I was growing up. It’s a rich, decadent chocolate cookie (made even richer by using dark roasted cocoa) that is almost like eating a brownie; then it’s iced with a fabulous chocolate frosting (and yes, I heap on the frosting!) making it even more delectable.

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Oh, my! One taste of these delicious morsels; one smell of the dark roasted chocolate wafting through your house for hours; one look at the thick, piled high icing; and one touch of this dense, thick cookie will have you hooked! Yes, Chocolate Drop Cookies are addictive! Consumer beware!

Our family loves these cookies and they make a frequent appearance in our yearly Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. Mom didn’t make these as often as chocolate chip or coconut oatmeal cookies, but when she did I was the first to raid the cookie jar. I loved scarfing down these tasty treats. If you make this amazing recipe you will see why.

If you keep a decently stocked pantry you should have most of the ingredients on hand, with the exception of cream. In fact, I had forgotten these cookies called for cream in the icing but thankfully I had cream and half-and-half in the refrigerator so I was able to make it. I used half regular cocoa, and half dark-roasted for both the cookies and the icing. It makes the cookies and icing a little darker in color, and quite a bit richer in taste. Yeah!

I have no idea where mom got the recipe but I know she was making these way back in the 1940s after she got married. She may have gotten it from a family member, a friend, or even a cookbook, but usually if it was from a cookbook she would go to the cookbook and leave it out to make a recipe.

Mom had this recipe on a recipe card so I think she collected this from a friend or relative. Regardless, I will give my mom credit for the recipe even though she did not create it.

This is the only drop cookie recipe I use. I roll every other cookie into balls. It’s an amazingly tasty and fairly economical cookie that your family will really enjoy if they like chocolate frosted cookies or brownies. Brighten up your holiday season by giving this recipe a try. You will be so glad you did.

When I initially posted this recipe in November 2012, it was for my Christmas cookie baking list that year. I was still taking pictures with my iPhone and I had too many “Christmasy props” which caused the pictures to be a little on the cluttered side.

That’s part of starting a new blog and not knowing anything about food photography. Sometimes less is really more! As a result, I’ve been going back through all my first year recipes (before I started taking pictures with my Canon), and remaking the recipes so I can get better pictures.

I recently remade these delicious cookies (July 2015) to give to one of my son’s boss’s who had helped our oldest son with a new employment situation. This was the second time he had done so, so I wanted to make up a batch of cookies with a thank you note to let him know how much we appreciated his efforts. These have always been one of my favorite cookie recipes and if you enjoy chocolate, these cookies have it all!

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Chocolate Drop Cookies are the most decadent, incredibly wonderful tasting iced chocolate cookies you will ever eat!

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

I grew up eating these luscious cookies as a child. Chocolate Drop Cookies are so delectable.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Chocolate cookies with rich, chocolate frosting – oh yeah! Yummy! Every bite of Chocolate Drop Cookies is tantalizing! 

Here’s what I did.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

I used these ingredients.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Place shortening in a large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, eggs, cocoa, sour cream, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer until smooth.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Add UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour. Bleached flour toughens baked goods. Add walnuts.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Stir all ingredients together with a wooden spoon. (Don’t use an electric mixer to add the flour or it will make the cookies tough.)

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray. Drop dough with an ice cream scoop onto prepared cookie sheets.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Bake about 10-12 minutes at 350. The original recipe says to bake from 5-7 minutes  but it took mine about 10-15 minutes.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

I used these ingredients to make the icing.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Make icing: melt butter. Add cream, vanilla and cocoa.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Add powdered sugar. Mix all ingredients together with an electric mixer. You need to get the icing to a nice spreading consistency. If it doesn’t go on easily you may have to add more cream. If it’s too runny add more powdered sugar. 

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Place cookies on cookie rack to cool completely. Once they are set up you can ice them. These can be a little fragile so handle carefully.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Spread the icing on the cookies with a knife. Then allow the icing to set before storing in air-tight containers.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Chocolate Drop Cookies are great treats to take to your office. Everyone just raves over them.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Don’t they look delicious? They taste even better.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Consider putting Chocolate Drop Cookies on your holiday menu!

Here’s the recipe.

CHOCOLATE DROP COOKIES

(Recipe from my mom, Helen Mattis, Titusville, FL)

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Teresa Ambra
Chocolate Drop Cookies are sensational. These lovely chocolate cookies are filled with walnuts and sour cream and then frosted with a rich, chocolate buttercream frosting. This family favorite vintage recipe is wonderful for holiday baking, potlucks, tailgating parties or backyard barbecues. Every bite will rock your world!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 large 15x26" cookie sheet pans
  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • 2 wooden spoons
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 nut chopper (unless you purchase chopped walnuts)
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

COOKIES:

  • 1/2 cup Crisco shortening no substitutes
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup cocoa or 3 one-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

  • 5 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa or 3 one-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

Instructions
 

COOKIES:

  • Mix shortening, sugar, egg, vanilla, cocoa, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with an electric mixer.
  • Stir in flour and walnuts.
  • Drop by spoonfuls and bake at 350° for 7-10 minutes.
  • Rotate cookie sheets on oven racks after six minutes of baking time.
  • Do not over bake.
  • Ice with chocolate icing.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

  • Mix together and spread over cooled cookies.

Notes

NOTE: Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.
 
NOTE: My cookies took about 20 minutes to bake, but it really depends on your oven.
 
NOTE: Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 109mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 146IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate, chocolate cookie, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, walnuts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Chocolate Drop Cookies[/b]
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from my Mom, Helen Mattis, Titusville, FL
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
These lovely chocolate cookies are filled with walnuts and sour cream and then frosted with a rich, chocolate buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
  • ½ cup Crisco shortening
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 ¾ cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 squares unsweetened chocolate or 1/3 cup cocoa
Instructions
  1. Mix shortening, sugar, egg, vanilla, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Stir in flour and walnuts.
  3. Drop by spoonfuls and bake at 350° for 7-10 minutes.
  4. Do not over bake.
  5. Ice with chocolate icing.
Notes
Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.[br][br]My cookies took about 20 minutes to bake, but it really depends on your oven.

 

[b]Chocolate Frosting[/b]
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from my mom, Helen Mattis, Titusville, FL
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
These lovely chocolate cookies are filled with walnuts and sour cream and then frosted with a rich, chocolate buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
  • 5 tbsp. melted butter
  • 3 tbsp. cream
  • 1 ½ tsp. vanilla
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 squares unsweetened chocolate or 1/3 cup cocoa
Instructions
  1. Mix together and spread over cooled cookies.
Notes
Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.
Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Your kids will love having these fabulous Chocolate Drop Cookies served in your home.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Chocolate Drop Cookies were my favorite cookies when I was growing up.

Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #cookie when I was growing up. These scrumptious goodies taste like #brownies in cookie form! #chocolate #dessert

Your company will love being treated to these spectacular cookies. The ingredients are common so that you can make these cookies any time of the year. They don’t have to remain a holiday treat.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Chocolate Chip Macadamia Crunch Brownies

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Whoopie Pies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Whoopie Pies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these outrageous #cookies are like a meal to themselves! Rich, decadent & so chocolaty. No eggs in the #cookiedough filling either. #chocolate #dessert #ChocolateChip #ChocolateChipCookieDough #WhoopiePies #ChocolateDessert #ChocolateCookie #ChristmasCookieExchange #ValentinesDay #ValentinesDayDessert #Holiday #Tailgating #HolidayDessert

Chocolate and Vanilla Chip Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate and Vanilla Chip Chocolate Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #chocolate #cookies are filled with both chocolate & #vanilla chips. Perfect 4 any occasion. #dessert
Chocolate Drop Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Teresa Ambra
Chocolate Drop Cookies are sensational. These lovely chocolate cookies are filled with walnuts and sour cream and then frosted with a rich, chocolate buttercream frosting. This family favorite vintage recipe is wonderful for holiday baking, potlucks, tailgating parties or backyard barbecues. Every bite will rock your world!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 large 15×26" cookie sheet pans
  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • 2 wooden spoons
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 nut chopper (unless you purchase chopped walnuts)
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

COOKIES:

  • 1/2 cup Crisco shortening no substitutes
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour bleached flour toughens baked goods
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup cocoa or 3 one-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

  • 5 tbsp. unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa or 3 one-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

Instructions
 

COOKIES:

  • Mix shortening, sugar, egg, vanilla, cocoa, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with an electric mixer.
  • Stir in flour and walnuts.
  • Drop by spoonfuls and bake at 350° for 7-10 minutes.
  • Rotate cookie sheets on oven racks after six minutes of baking time.
  • Do not over bake.
  • Ice with chocolate icing.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING:

  • Mix together and spread over cooled cookies.

Notes

NOTE: Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.
 
NOTE: My cookies took about 20 minutes to bake, but it really depends on your oven.
 
NOTE: Mom always used cocoa rather than chocolate squares.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 109mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 146IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate, chocolate cookie, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, walnuts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

29 Comments

  • Lisa Barger

    March 12, 2020 at 9:48 am

    Hi! I am wanting to make the Chocolate Drop Cookies and wondering if I could replace the shortening with butter? Thank you!

    1. Teresa

      March 12, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      Hi, Lisa. I’ve not done it before because usually if you substitute an equal amount of butter, the cookies will flatten out and run on the cookie sheet. If you really want to try a butter version, start with less. Look at my pictures and do your best to try to get the consistency of the cookie dough as close to mine as you can. If you need to use the full amount of butter, do so, but try to make sure the consistency looks as much like mine as possible. That’s the best I can do. Hope it turns out well. Please let me know how it turns out for you.

  • barbara

    December 24, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    my mother used to make them also but would add whiskey soaked raisins and instant coffee to the frosting.

    1. Teresa

      December 24, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      Sounds so interesting, Barbara. These sure are great cookies.

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  • Triss

    February 28, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Teresa, You know I don’t cook, so I had to get Mom’s recipe from your website/blog. We all loved these Chocolate Drop Cookies growing up. So I made them for an office party, without the nuts :o( because one person in my office does not eat nuts. But they were still great. I also used a melon baller which made them more rounded; but I definitely like them flatter, more surface for icing :o) And now I have another request to bake them for the office.

    By the way, I really like your revamped website. I have been going through your Cooking Tips section all morning. Love, xoxo, Triss

    1. Teresa

      February 28, 2015 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks, Triss. I’m not sure how you ended up growing up in the same house with me and not enjoy cooking! Mom was so good at cooking even if she wasn’t the best teacher. Even still, I’m glad you made these cookies for your office and they loved them. I looked more closely at the chocolate cake recipe I had in my cookbook and I’m pretty sure it’s NOT the one mom made for us for birthdays. The one with the fudge frosting. You will need to contact Phillis. I know she has it. Will you send it to me also when you get it?

      P.S. I’m glad you like the revamped website. It took me 17 months – 40 hours + per week to get it all done! I’m so glad to finally have some free time on my hands. See you next week.

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  • GailM

    November 20, 2012 at 3:14 am

    This looks quick; easy and very delicious, just what I was looking for

    1. Teresa

      November 20, 2012 at 8:46 pm

      They are marvelous.

  • baking bohemian

    November 17, 2012 at 2:01 am

    A childhood favourite of mine – delish!

    1. Teresa

      November 17, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      mine too!

  • LizForADay

    November 16, 2012 at 11:06 pm

    I wish I could at least lick this page. I wonder if they will ever invent lickable food web pages. 🙂

  • petit4chocolatier

    November 16, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    Delicious! My kind of cookie : )

    1. Teresa

      November 16, 2012 at 10:41 pm

      Yeah, lots of chocolate!

  • Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist

    November 16, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    Er…baking 🙂

    1. Teresa

      November 16, 2012 at 10:44 pm

      Enjoy!

  • Katie

    November 16, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    Mmm, that frosting looks out of control!

    1. Teresa

      November 16, 2012 at 7:20 pm

      Yes, it’s really delicious. It makes these cookies very rich and so very wonderful! I love these cookies!

  • Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist

    November 16, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Seriously, Teresa. If you don’t stop this, I’m going to have to buy one of those gut-squeezing Flexees undershirts 🙂

    1. Teresa

      November 16, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      LOL! Hey, I’ve just gotten started. I probably have 20 more I’m going to post this holiday season. I don’t want you to go without a drool-salivation day! hehehe

      1. Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist

        November 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm

        Well, I just may have to boycott your blog, then. Sniff! Happy Cooking, Teresa!

        1. Teresa

          November 16, 2012 at 10:43 pm

          Thanks!

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