Chilli Chocolate Cookies

Thought I’d add a little chilli to my cookies to see what a kick you’d get!

Well I like it, tried them out on quite a few peeps and it’s a bit of a Marmite effect (you either love it or hate it!) For me the kick comes at the end and is a good thing so if you fancy seeing if you’re hot stuff too, give them a go!

I found a 1/4 tsp was enough for me but hey if you’re made of tougher stuff add a bit more!

I received some Pink Mini Chocolate Heart Dragees from Jo at Just Bake so thought with Valentines day just around the corner I’d incorporate them in the bake. They’d be good for cupcake decorations too.

Chilli Chocolate Cookies

100g self raising flour

20g cocoa

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1/4 tsp chilli powder (vary to your taste)

50g soft brown sugar

50g soft butter/spread

50g golden syrup

Dragees or Smarties to decorate (optional)

Makes 18-20 small cookies

Preheat the oven 180°C (fan 160°C) GM4

Line/grease 2 baking trays.

In a large bowl sieve the flour, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda & chilli. Stir.

Add in the butter chopped into lumps. Rub through with your fingertips so it’s evenly mixed and like breadcrumbs in texture. Stir through the sugar. Add the golden syrup, here’s the messy bit! Mix well, I found this best done with my hands (and of course this will be the exact time when the phone rings/door bell rings etc!)

You’ll end up with a lovely sticky lump of dough. Break into small pieces (I am a sad puppy and weigh mine so they are equal, mine were 12 or 13g each) roll into ball and place on the baking tray. Flatten slightly and add the dragees or Smarties if using to the centre and make sure you press them down so they are about halfway into the cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until all cracked on the surface (really keep an eye on them because they do catch quickly and it’s hard to see as they’re already chocolate coloured) leave to firm up on the tray then for about 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.

They will keep for a few days in a tin or freeze well too. Although I’m sure they’ll disappear quick! ♥