Get ready to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the ancient lands of the Maya! These aren't your ordinary chocolate chip cookies - they're a bold, fiery fusion of rich chocolate and exotic spices that will make your mouth water and your senses come alive. Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly balances sweet, rich chocolate with a surprising kick of warmth from cinnamon and cayenne - it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mayan
Serves: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- For best flavor and texture, allow cookies to cool entirely before serving. The spices will develop more depth as they cool.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest, most well-incorporated batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Spice Precision: Measure the cayenne and cinnamon carefully - you want a subtle warmth, not an overwhelming heat.
- Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool entirely to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and keep the spices' vibrant flavor.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if you want to prep in advance.Pro Chef Secret: Let the cookies sit for a day - the flavors actually improve and become more complex over 24 hours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
