If there is always one thing I can expect in my Christmas stocking its chocolate. But this year my mom didn't just get me the normal Lindt Dark Chocolate Truffles, instead I was introduced to Lindt Creations: Cherry & Chili. I went back and forth about what to expect.. was it going to be weird? a spicy chocolate? It just doesn't make sense.. but then, one bite later, I was sold. The hint of chili combined with the sweet cherry filling was a perfect ending to a wonderful piece of chocolate.
I knew I wanted to use this combination in a cookie. Then, the other day it came to me as I eyed the jar of cherry jam I had left over from the Lemon Whoopie Pie filling I made for Ashley a few weeks ago. I also just happened to have some of the chocolate in my pantry. So the adventure began :)
Cherry and Chili Chocolate Cookies
A swEEts Original
Oven: 350 degrees Bake Time: 12 minutes
Yields about 24 cookies
1 stick softened butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/4 cocoa powder
1/4 tsp cayenne chili pepper powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cup AP flour
1/2 cup cherry jam
6 pieces of Lindt Creations: Cherry & Chili, chopped*
In a small bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
If using a standing mixer use a paddle attachment and beat butter, sugar, and egg.
Mix in cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract.
Add flour mixture and mix until combined.
Roll about a tablespoon (basically one spoonful) of dough into a ball. Place balls on parchment paper lined baking sheets.
Once dough has been placed on the baking sheets, poke a hole into the ball until you just about hit the baking sheet- I used the end of a rounded knife handle.
Fill each hole with cherry jam.
Pop your jam filled cookies to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack.
In a double boiler, melt the chopped chocolate mixing constantly until smooth. *If you can't find the Lindt Creations: Cherry & Chili, you could always melt a dark or semi-sweet chocolate of your choice. To get the cherry and chili flavor, once the chocolate is melted add a spoon full of cherry jam and a pinch of chili powder.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie and leave on the cooling rack for chocolate to cool.
If you can't wait for the chocolate to cool, I won't judge.. I didn't :)
Just another adventure...Happy Baking!