Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles) are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cinnamon in every bite. Perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or just because you deserve a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to impress. With their moist interior and slightly crisp edges, they offer a unique twist on classic snickerdoodles that will have everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for any dessert lover.
• Easy to Bake: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick treat.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies fit any occasion perfectly.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft, fudgy center paired with delicate crisp edges for the ultimate cookie experience.
• Fun to Customize: Add cayenne pepper for an extra kick or mix in your favorite chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, resulting in a fluffy texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success; using proper tools ensures your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
• Baking sheets: Choosing the right baking surface helps achieve even baking and prevents sticking, ensuring beautiful cookies every time.

Ingredients

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies could also be called Chocolate Snickerdoodles. A moist and tender chocolate cookie, with slightly crisp edges and a perfectly crackly top, rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect chocolate-cinnamon combo!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened (2 sticks))
• 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 (spooned and leveled)
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For Rolling

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (for rolling)

How to Make Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer:
1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add 1 & 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
3. Beat for about two minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add two large eggs along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Cocoa Powder and Flour

Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour into the bowl without mixing yet:
1. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Into the well you created:
1. Add 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar, one teaspoon baking soda, one-half teaspoon baking powder, and one-half teaspoon kosher salt.
2. Use a small spoon to blend these dry ingredients before combining them with wet ingredients.

Step 6: Mix Together

Turn on the mixer at low speed:
1. Slowly beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
2. Make sure to scrape down the sides so everything is incorporated.

Step 7: Chill Dough (Optional)

You can either bake immediately or cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours if you prefer enhanced flavor.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Shape dough into balls about two to three tablespoons each ensuring they are uniform in size.

Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl:
1. Combine either 1/4 or 1/3 cup granulated sugar with one & 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon based on your preference.
2. Roll each ball of dough into this mixture until fully coated.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place sugared dough balls on prepared cookie sheets at least two inches apart:
– Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately ten to twelve minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 11: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for about two minutes before transferring them back into the bowl with remaining cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Step 12: Final Touches

Use your fingers to sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top while cookies are hot so it sticks properly.

Step 13: Transfer to Wire Rack

Carefully transfer cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 14: Enjoy!

Indulge in these delicious cookies while warm! They pair wonderfully with milk—each bite is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

How to Serve Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, or Chocolate Snickerdoodles, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, here are some creative suggestions for serving these delicious cookies.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk balances the rich chocolate flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create scrumptious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs especially well.

Coffee or Hot Chocolate

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The warmth enhances the spices and chocolate, making it a cozy treat.

Festive Platter

• Arrange them on a festive platter with other treats during holidays or special occasions. Their unique flavor will surely impress guests.

Gift Packaging

• Pack these cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family. Include a note with serving suggestions for an extra touch.

How to Perfect Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

To achieve the best results with your Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking experience.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense and chewy textures instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking enhances the flavors and helps maintain their shape.

• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are set at the edges but still soft in the center for that fudgy texture.

• Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Hot: To ensure the sugar sticks well, roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement your dessert:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your dessert table and balances the richness of the cookies.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda provides a creamy contrast to the cookie’s chocolatey flavor, enhancing your overall dessert experience.

3. Spiced Nuts: Offer a bowl of spiced nuts for guests who enjoy crunchy snacks alongside their sweet treats. The savory notes create an intriguing flavor profile.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a light side dish that complements the richness of the cookies without overpowering them.

5. Churros: For an extra indulgent treat, serve churros dusted with sugar and cinnamon alongside your cookies for added texture and flavor contrast.

6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate provide an elegant touch that pairs perfectly with the flavors found in Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Always use the correct measuring cups and spoons to ensure proper ratios.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you decide to refrigerate the dough, don’t skip it. Chilling helps solidify the butter, leading to a better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
• Not rolling in cinnamon sugar immediately: For optimal sticking, roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 15-20 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Can I add nuts to Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)?

Yes! You can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough before baking.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for set edges and a soft, slightly shiny center. They will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar if needed.

How can I make these cookies spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or incorporate chili powder into the dough for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

These Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles) are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting spices according to your taste. Whether enjoyed warm with milk or shared at gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!