Mexican Chocolate-Cherry Rounds

Name: Mexican Chocolate-Cherry Rounds
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Yield: 2 cookies, 30 serving(s)
Ingredients: 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 3/4 cups sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 60 candied cherries, halves

Submitted by Ashbabe

"Rich chocolate cookies get some Mexican flair when spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper. Blanched almonds or pistachios can be used instead of cherries. I make these every year for Christmas and they're always a hit. Prep time includes chilling"

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photo by Debi9400

Ready In:: 2hrs 40mins
Ingredients:: 14
Yields:: 2 cookies
Serves:: 30

ingredients

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
1 ³⁄₄ cups sugar
¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
²⁄₃ cup powdered sugar
60 candied cherries, halves

directions

Stir chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth; cool.
Combine flour and next 5 ingredients in medium bowl.
Using electric mixer, beat 1 3/4 cups sugar and butter in large bowl until light.
Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then vanilla and chocolate.
Gradually add dry ingredients, beating just until combined.
Chill dough until firm, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.
Place powdered sugar in shallow pan.
Form dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll each ball in sugar to coat; shake off excess sugar.
Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 1/2 inches apart.
Press 1 cherry half into center of each cookie.
Bake until cookies puff and crack but are still soft, about 10 minutes.
Transfer cookies to rack and cool completely.
(Cookies can be prepared ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week, or freeze up to 1 month.).

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Reviews

I've been making these for years (only difference---my recipe calls for 8 oz chocolate) and what a hit they are, indeed! I use half green candied cherries, half res, and they are so pretty on a holiday sweets tray.

La Dilettante
*Made for PAC Spring 2008 I am NOT a baker but with the help of a Pampered Chef clay cookie sheet (get one - they are so worth it) and a good recipe, I can pull it off. These little gems got rave reviews from all who came through the door. I love the grown up flavour the cayenne pepper gives to the recipe yet it still remains kid friendly. Check the first batch for your timing - my oven took 11 minutes instead of 10. Thank you for sharing this and I'm looking forward to seeing any new recipes you submit Ashbabe.

Debi9400