Spice up your dessert game with a bold twist on a classic treat—Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookies.
This daring recipe marries the rich, gooey sweetness of chocolate chips with the unexpected heat of fresh jalapeños, creating a flavor profile that’s as exciting as it is delicious.
Perfect for adventurous eaters or anyone seeking a unique take on their favorite cookie, these treats strike a perfect balance between sweet and spicy.
How To Make Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes
Cooking Times: 10-12 minutes per batch
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yields: About 24 cookies
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup diced fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the Chocolate and Jalapeños
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and diced jalapeños using a spatula. Be sure the jalapeños are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a hint of spice in every bite.
6. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
7. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
8. Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set. Avoid overbaking for a soft and chewy texture.
10. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts Of Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
Serving Suggestions
✤ With Milk: Serve warm cookies with a cold glass of milk to balance the spicy and sweet flavors.
✤ Ice Cream Sandwich: Use the cookies as a base for an ice cream sandwich with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
✤ Drizzle and Sprinkle: Add a drizzle of dark chocolate and a pinch of sea salt on top for an elevated flavor.
✤ Coffee Pairing: Pair the cookies with a strong black coffee or a mocha for a bold flavor combo.
Tips and Variations
❖ Adjust the Heat: Remove seeds for a milder spice or keep them for extra heat.
❖ Candied Jalapeños: Use candied jalapeños for a sweet and spicy twist.
❖ Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
❖ Add Citrus: Mix in a hint of orange zest for a fresh, tangy touch.
❖ Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and flavor depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes, but rinse and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll into balls, freeze, and bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What type of chocolate works best?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate complements the spice best, but milk chocolate works too for a sweeter flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
Yes, ingredients like nuts, cinnamon or a touch of vanilla can enhance the flavor profile.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate fusion of bold flavors, blending sweet indulgence with a spicy kick.
Perfect for adventurous palates, these cookies are sure to impress and surprise. Whether for a party or a personal treat, they’re a deliciously unique way to elevate your dessert game.