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    Home » Recipes » Military Care Packages

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

    By Wendy Sondov · Published: Jan 27, 2018 · Modified: Nov 11, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are just right for this blustery, winter weather. Spicy notes of cinnamon and cayenne pepper add warmth to the rich chocolate flavor. Defrost your taste buds with each crunchy bite.

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are sliced from a dough log that is covered in orange and yellow nonpareil sprinkles.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • For easy preparation, dough is rolled into logs which are chilled then sliced, as needed, and baked.
    • This dough can also be rolled out for cut-out cookies.

    Just like in Mexican Hot Chocolate, the pepper in Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies provides cozy background warmth that intensifies the chocolate flavor. Each bite of these cookies is a crunchy, buttery, combination of chocolate and cinnamon with a gentle, warm finish.

    If you are looking for spicy heat, you will need to increase the amount of pepper in the recipe.

    Spice up your baking with some Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. Their sweet warmth is like getting a hug from a cookie.

    Sliced chocolate shortbread cookies with nonpareil sprinkles on their edges on a  plate.

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

    1. Combine the ingredients to create the dough.
    2. Form the dough into a log, compressing to remove air bubbles.
    3. Roll the dough log back and forth over sprinkles to coat.
    4. Wrap the log and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
    5. Slice the dough log ¼” – ½” thick.
    6. Bake.

    Storage

    Store layers of cookies between wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies in a stack showing the red, orange, and yellow sprinkles on the edges of each cookie.

    Tips and variations

    • Use mini chocolate chips rather than regular sized chips for smoother slices or rolled dough.
    • The sprinkle coating provides color and crunch but is not required. Skip the coating or substitute large crystal decorating sugar.

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    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

    Spicy cinnamon and cayenne pepper add warmth to the rich chocolate flavor of these buttery shortbread cookies.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chill time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 32
    Calories: 128kcal
    Author: Wendy Sondov
    Adapted From: Maida Heatter

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup cocoa I use Whole Foods 360 brand Fair Trade cocoa
    • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips I use Whole Foods 360 brand Fair Trade chips
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Penzey’s Vietnamese Cinnamon of more intense flavor
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Decorating

    • 7 tablespoons Nonpareil sprinkles

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, chocolate chips, salt, cinnamon and pepper.
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light. Add vanilla and mix to combine.
    • Gradually add flour mixture and mix just until all of the flour is incorporated and the dough forms.
    • Form the dough into a log, compressing to remove air bubbles.
    • Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper and spread sprinkles in the pan. Gently roll the dough log back and forth over the sprinkles to coat. (If the dough is too sticky to roll easily, refrigerate first then roll in sprinkles.)
    • Wrap the log in wax paper and cover in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
    • When ready to bake: Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Slice the dough log ¼” – ½” thick.
    • Place on prepared baking sheet about 1” apart and bake for 10-12 minutes. (Cookies firm as they cool).
    • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Store layers of cookies between wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

    Notes

    Packing tips
    Double wrap small piles of cookies in plastic wrap, then place snugly in an airtight container or zip lock bag for mailing. Vacuum sealing is recommended when longer freshness times are needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 186IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheMondayBox or tag #themondaybox!

    First Published: January 27, 2018. Last Updated: November11, 2024. Updated for additional information and better reader experience.

    Spiced Chocolate Shortbread Cookies dough slices being sliced off the dough log.

     

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    Comments

    1. ava

      May 05, 2021 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      So good! Made them for Cinco de mayo! My children even loved them! (thats hard to beat)

      Reply
      • Wendy Sondov

        May 05, 2021 at 8:36 pm

        Hi, Ava. I'm so glad that you and your kids loved these cookies! If the children give a recipe the thumbs up, it's a keeper. 🙂 Happy Cinco de Mayo!

        Reply
    2. saltandserenity

      February 07, 2018 at 10:11 am

      Another cookie to add to my "MUST BAKE" list. I will blame my winter weight gain on you!! I am excited to try adding some heat to my chocolate. Great idea to use mini chips. I always have problems slicing cookies when they have add-ins to the dough.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        February 08, 2018 at 1:05 pm

        Thanks, Cindy! The problem with add-ins is ugly cookies. If we can make peace with ugly cookies, there will be no problem with add-ins! The add-ins just make it impossible to get a smooth pretty surface. But flavor? These cookies have flavor to spare!

        Reply
    3. Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert

      January 30, 2018 at 6:24 am

      I really loved that movie Wendy - chocolate was certainly the star 🙂 And I love these cookies - so pretty and no doubt delicious with that little bit of cayenne.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        February 05, 2018 at 11:05 am

        Thanks, Tricia! For years I wondered about adding pepper to chocolate. Now that I've tried it, I can see why it inspired love in the Chocolat story! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Carlee

      January 29, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      You have me sold! And I love those little sprinkles around the outside. The look absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        February 05, 2018 at 11:04 am

        Thanks, Carlee! I was curious but cautious at first, but I am definitely sold on this flavor boost!

        Reply
    5. Shannon Ketchum

      January 28, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      These look fantastic! I love the combination of some cayenne with my chocolate. It adds so much depth of flavor. I love that you send these care packages all the time. You're a gem!

      Reply
      • The Monday Box

        January 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm

        Thanks, Shannon! I had never tried cayenne with chocolate, but now I am sold! Depth of flavor is the perfect way to describe it. Sending military care packages is a feel good activity. I feel good and hopefully so does the recipient soldier! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    I'm Wendy, a baker, care package maker, and smile creator. On The Monday Box you’ll find care package inspiration and recipes for delicious treats that make it easy for you to share home baked love. Let’s spread happiness, one cookie at a time!

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