Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Cozy Winter Days
Warm chocolate cravings meet a delightful Mexican hot chocolate twist in these irresistible cookies.
Spicy hints of cinnamon and a subtle chili kick dance through each delectable bite.
Sweet chocolate melts beautifully against a rich, complex backdrop of traditional flavors.
Unexpected warmth spreads across your palate with every crumbly, soft morsel.
Comfort and excitement blend seamlessly in this inventive dessert experience.
Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical.
You’ll fall in love with how these cookies tell a story of culinary tradition and playful innovation.
Dare to savor this delicious journey that promises to surprise and delight.
What Makes Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Unique
Everything You’ll Need for Spiced Chocolate Cookies
Main Ingredients:
Flour: The base for cookie structure, provides essential texture and form.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep dark color to cookies.
Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Adds extra chocolate intensity and melty pockets of sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create soft, tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps cookies brown and caramelize.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds subtle aromatic notes.
Spice and Seasoning:
Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements chocolate with traditional Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and traditional Mexican hot chocolate warmth.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Baking Ingredients:
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, tender texture.
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture (Optional): Provides extra sweetness and aromatic coating for cookies.
How to Bake Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Easily
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Heat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates a perfect non-stick surface for your delicious cookies.
Step 2: Whip the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, blend:Whip until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Create the Spicy Dry Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine:Whisk ingredients together until well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Delights
Scoop dough into small balls using a tablespoon. Roll each ball in optional cinnamon-sugar coating. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide cookies into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.
Pro Tips for Bold, Rich, and Spiced Cookies
Best Way to Store Spicy Chocolate Cookies
What to Pair with These Spicy-Sweet Treats
New Takes on Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Print
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Indulgent Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies blend rich chocolate with warm spices for an irresistible dessert experience. Cinnamon and chili pepper create a delightful twist that will transport you to the heart of Mexico’s culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (90 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 large egg
Sweeteners and Fats:
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 350F (175C), positioning the rack in the center. Cover baking trays with parchment paper for smooth cookie release.
- Create a creamy base by vigorously blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture appears airy and pale. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the texture becomes uniform and glossy.
- Separately, sift together flour, rich cocoa powder, aromatic cinnamon, fiery cayenne pepper, leavening agent, and mineral salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough but careful integration. Delicately mix in chocolate chips or chunks for bursts of decadent flavor.
- Craft uniform cookie portions by scooping dough and rolling into perfect spheres. Optional: Coat each dough ball in a sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar for an extra layer of warmth and texture. Arrange cookies with ample spacing on prepared baking sheets.
- Slide trays into the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes. Watch for slightly firm edges while maintaining a tender, soft center. This ensures a complex texture combining crisp exterior and luscious interior.
- After removing from oven, let cookies rest on baking sheets for five minutes to stabilize. Transfer to wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their final, delightful consistency.
Notes
- Spice Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance, starting with a pinch for mild warmth or increasing for bolder kick.
- Chocolate Depth: Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the spicy notes.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Chill cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development, creating more structured cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.