Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes Chocolate Charms 3.5 (38) 18 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 6, 2020 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Yield: 40 The dusting of cocoa on these little cookies, much like that on a chocolate truffle, may seem to promise a similar velvety interior, but the illusion is fleeting. One bite reveals the unmistakable crumbly texture of shortbread. Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting ¼ teaspoon table salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt into a bowl. Set aside. Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add sugar, and beat about 2 minutes more, until very light in color and fluffy, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add vanilla, if using. Add flour mixture, and combine on low speed, scraping with spatula if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers. Form dough into a flattened disk; wrap in plastic. Chill until firm, at least 1 hour. Using a spoon, form dough into 1-inch balls; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake until firm, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool completely on wire rack. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving. Cook's Notes If giving as a gift, enclose about 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder in a small bag, along with instructions for dusting. Rate it Print