Description
Indulge in a sensory journey with these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. Rich chocolate blends with warm spices like cinnamon and cayenne, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and heat. Enjoy a crispy exterior and gooey interior, reminiscent of childhood memories of sipping a warm, comforting cocoa. The perfect treat for gatherings or to savor alone, these cookies are both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons non-alcoholic vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or coarsely chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Blend dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to ensure no clumps remain.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate pieces and nuts (if using) gently.
- Portion cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers are slightly soft. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Let cookies sit on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Note: Adjust cayenne for spice preference (omit or reduce for mild sweetness).
- Use non-alcoholic vanilla extract to comply with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Mexican chocolate cookies, cinnamon treats, spicy desserts, cocoa, comfort food, cayenne cookies