Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that will warm your heart and spice up any gathering. With their thick and chewy texture, combined with a hint of cinnamon and chili powder, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy nights at home. They offer a unique twist on traditional chocolate cookies, making them stand out among your dessert options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chili powder adds an unexpected kick to these cookies.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies are not just delicious; they’re thick and chewy, giving you the perfect bite every time.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with mini marshmallows or flaky sea salt for an extra special touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking journey, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients for a fluffy cookie dough.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the dough uniformly, achieving consistent cookie sizes.

Ingredients

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are thick, chewy, and spiced with a hint of cinnamon and chili powder. Great for the holidays!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ⅛ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup dark brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons milk
– ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
– mini marshmallows, (for topping, optional)
– flaky sea salt, (for topping, optional)

How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer), add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the dry ingredients. Beat until combined. The cookie dough will be thick and sticky.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

When ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Use a heaping 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Scoop 8 portions onto each baking sheet for a total of 16 cookies.

Step 8: Bake

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges appear set but the middle is still soft.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove them from the oven. If desired, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt before letting them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.

Enjoy these delightful Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies fresh out of the oven! They are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!

How to Serve Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for a cozy gathering or a festive holiday treat. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the classic combination that never fails.

Hot Chocolate Dipping Sauce

• Create a rich hot chocolate dipping sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Melt chocolate and mix with cream for a smooth dip.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for a creamy, sweet touch that complements the flavors.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Choose vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a deliciously sweet dessert.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies or truffles for an inviting spread.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas to balance the rich chocolate flavors with some freshness.

How to Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

To ensure your Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques to ensure you have the right ratios of ingredients.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should look set at the edges but still soft in the center.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or chili powder according to your taste preference for extra warmth.
• Let Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets before transferring them, as they continue to firm up while cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that contrasts wonderfully with rich chocolate.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Churros: Serve crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of Mexican-inspired flavor.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair nicely with chocolate.
5. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of classic hot chocolate enhances the overall experience, especially during colder months.
6. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso complements the richness of the cookies, making it perfect for adult gatherings.
7. Chocolate Ganache Dip: Offer melted ganache as an indulgent dipping option that elevates each bite even more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for thick, chewy cookies. Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. An oven that’s too hot can lead to burnt edges and raw centers.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using the wrong measurements can change the texture and flavor of your cookies. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, chewy results.
• Neglecting to check for doneness: Cookies may look underbaked in the center but will continue cooking as they cool. Trust your instincts and remove them when the edges are set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm cookies for about 2-3 minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili powder in the recipe or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?

Yes! Dark chocolate chips will give your Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies a richer flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate.

What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?

You can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I store leftover cookie dough?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make gluten-free Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to impress at any gathering. With their rich flavors and chewy texture, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy nights at home. Customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!