Description
These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies combine rich chocolate, warm cinnamon, and a subtle kick of cayenne to create an unforgettable spiced cookie experience. With fudgy centers, crisp edges, and a sparkling cinnamon-sugar coating, these are the cookies taking over holiday baking—bold, decadent, and irresistibly warm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 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
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- For rolling: 1/4–1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream softened butter until smooth, then beat in granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add cocoa powder and flour to the bowl, creating a well in the center.
- Add cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional cayenne into the well and lightly blend dry ingredients together.
- Mix on low speed until dough forms—do not overmix.
- Shape dough into balls using 2–3 tablespoons of dough each.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball until fully coated.
- Place dough balls 3 inches apart on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Rest cookies for 2 minutes, then roll once more in the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra sparkle.
Notes
For a milder spice level, reduce cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon or omit entirely. For deeper flavor, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 106mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: mexican hot chocolate cookies, spicy chocolate cookies, holiday cookies, cinnamon chocolate cookies
