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.
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.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine the ingredients to create the dough.
- Form the dough into a log, compressing to remove air bubbles.
- Roll the dough log back and forth over sprinkles to coat.
- Wrap the log and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Slice the dough log ¼” – ½” thick.
- Bake.
Storage
Store layers of cookies between wax paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
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
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
Nutrition
First Published: January 27, 2018. Last Updated: November11, 2024. Updated for additional information and better reader experience.
ava
So good! Made them for Cinco de mayo! My children even loved them! (thats hard to beat)
Wendy Sondov
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!
saltandserenity
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.
The Monday Box
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!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
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.
The Monday Box
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! 🙂
Carlee
You have me sold! And I love those little sprinkles around the outside. The look absolutely delicious.
The Monday Box
Thanks, Carlee! I was curious but cautious at first, but I am definitely sold on this flavor boost!
Shannon Ketchum
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!
The Monday Box
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! 🙂