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Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 99 reviews

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft, fudgy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor enhanced by warm cinnamon and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating, they deliver a deliciously spicy and sweet experience reminiscent of traditional Mexican hot chocolate. Perfect for cozying up with a glass of milk or gifting during holiday seasons.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup butter (softened, 2 sticks)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)

For Rolling

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and beat for a couple of minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
  4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder and flour to the bowl but do not mix yet. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
  5. Mix Leavening and Spices: Add cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt into the well. Optionally add cayenne pepper for a spicy touch. Use a small spoon to blend these dry ingredients together before mixing with the wet ingredients.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Turn the mixer on low and slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom to ensure all ingredients are incorporated but avoid overmixing.
  7. Chill Dough (Optional): You can cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours to enhance flavors and texture, though you can also bake right away.
  8. Shape Dough: Scoop dough into uniform rounds about 2 to 3 tablespoons each.
  9. Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
  10. Arrange Cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  11. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F or until the edges are set but the center remains soft and shiny. Watch closely as oven temperatures vary.
  12. Initial Cooling: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes after removing from the oven.
  13. Final Coating: When manageable, use a spatula to transfer each cookie back into the cinnamon sugar bowl and roll them again. Add more cinnamon sugar if needed and gently press with fingers to ensure an even coating while the cookies are still warm.
  14. Cool on Rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  15. Enjoy Warm: Serve these cookies warm for the best fudgy texture and taste. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is optional but improves flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it according to your spice preference.
  • Make sure to space cookies properly on the baking sheet for even baking and spreading.
  • Rolling cookies in cinnamon sugar twice while warm enhances the flavor and adds texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Keywords: Mexican hot chocolate cookies, chocolate cinnamon cookies, spicy chocolate cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/mexican-hot-chocolate-cookies-recipe/