Mexican Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat by blending the rich sweetness of chocolate with the bold, warming flavors of cinnamon and a hint of heat from chili powder.
This fusion of sweet and spicy creates a cookie that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for those who crave a little kick with their dessert.
The combination of creamy chocolate chips and the subtle spice of cayenne or chili adds depth and complexity, making these cookies a unique and unforgettable snack.
Ideal for anyone looking to try something new, these cookies are sure to impress.
How To Make Mexican Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes
Cooking times: 10-12 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Yields: About 24 cookies
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal later.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ground cloves (if using). Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look smooth and pale.
4. Add wet ingredients
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
6. Incorporate the chocolate chips
Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Chill the dough
For the best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help the cookies retain their shape while baking and enhance the flavors.
8. Shape the cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each ball slightly to flatten.
9. Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool and serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts Of Mexican Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Per Serving – 1 Cookie)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
Serving Suggestions
▷ Pairing with a warm drink: Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
▷ Holiday or special events: They make a wonderful addition to any festive table, especially during Christmas or Cinco de Mayo.
Tips and Variations
▶ Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely
▶ Add nuts: For extra texture, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. They complement the spices and chocolate beautifully.
▶ Gluten-free version: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
▶ Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for those following a dairy-free lifestyle.
▶ You can mix in other ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or dried chilies to create a personalized version.
▶ For a twist, consider using chocolate with a hint of cinnamon or Mexican vanilla extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen dough balls into a Ziploc bag.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The cornstarch helps make the cookies chewy, so this is an easy swap.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, of course! You can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Mexican Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a deliciously unexpected treat that perfectly balances sweetness and spice.
The warmth of cinnamon and the kick of chili elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie, creating a memorable flavor experience.
Whether served as a special dessert or a fun twist on a beloved classic, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression on any cookie lover.