the next two posts i have planned have a theme: using food to make friends.

i have told you before that i am shameless in using baked goods at the workplace. here is my latest entry . . . a revamp of a tried and true chocolate chocolate chip cookie. inspired by this recipe, i decided to up the flavor with cinnamon, super finely ground coffee and cayenne pepper.

these are serious cookies. they come to play.

clearly, they aren't the only ones.

they make an impression. this is a chewy, soft, brownie-like cookie. it isn't crisp. it's rich and fudgy.

leave out the spices and coffee, and this is as true a chocolate cookie for chocolate lovers as you can get.

add the spices?

you'll leave people wondering just what it is about those cookies. they'll ask you for the recipe. word will get around. 

mission accomplished.

Spicy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from Crisco – don't judge until you try them!

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp finely ground coffee or espresso powder
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1tsbp water
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 package chocolate chips – I find I like the bigger chunks for this recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Stir together dry ingredients – flour through spices and coffee – in a medium bowl.

In a larger bowl, beat shortening, water and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients to wet, mix at low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until set.