Chocolate Pepper Cookies

Yield: 3 to 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 to 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, for decoration

Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients, add to the butter mixture and beat until well mixed; if the dough seems too soft, add up to 1/4 cup more flour.
3. Shape into a flattened round, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
4. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
5. On a well floured board, roll out the dough until 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough into shapes and set 1 to 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes; do not allow to darken.
7. Melt chocolate and drizzle over tops.