Pepper and Spice Dark Chocolate Cookies

1. 1

   In an electric spice grinder or clean electric coffee grinder, grind the black peppercorns and cinnamon stick to a medium-fine powder.

2. 2

   Sift the ground spices, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, allspice, salt, ginger, mace, and cayenne onto a pie of parchment or waxed paper and set aside.

3. 3

   Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, crush the pink peppercorns.

4. 4

   Place the pink pepper in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and add the butter and brown sugar.

5. 5

   Beat until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl.

6. 6

   Beat in the egg and vanilla.

7. 7

   Add the spice-flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.

8. 8

   Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a 1 1/2-inch-diameter log.

9. 9

   Wrap well and refrigerate overnight.

10. 10

    The next day, position the oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 375E Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick liners.

11. 11

    Using a thin-bladed knife, slice the cookies into 1 1/4-inch-thick coins and place them on the baking sheets 1/2 inch apart.

12. 12

    Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of granulated sugar.

13. 13

    Bake, turning the sheets from back to front and switching them between the top rack and the bottom halfway through, until the cookies are just firm to the touch, about 8 minutes.

14. 14

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

15. 15

    Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.