Chipotay, Chipolte, Chipotilay: However You Pronounce It, I've Got It

I found chipotle chili powder at my grocery store, so I think I'm ready to attempt that El Paso-themed cookie I promised Evelyn and her students.

I know you're probably thinking I'm crazy. Putting chili in a cookie is just strange, goofy, and...well...just plain wrong!  You might have a point. Putting chili in an oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookie is just plain wrong. But putting it in a chocolate-based cookie is just plain genius. Chocolate and chili is a perfect pairing.

My Hot(ter) Chocolate cookie is rich and chocolaty and has two layers of heat. The first layer comes from lots of cinnamon, which imparts both flavor and a pleasant warmth. The second layer comes from a dash of cayenne pepper, which adds a really nice kick of heat.

For my El Paso-themed cookie, I think I'm going to recycle my Hot(ter) Chocolate recipe and replace the cayenne pepper with chipotle. Stay tuned!

Comments

[Alicia]

So let me get this straight, you don't think that adding a pinch of black pepper to your oatmeal cookies won't give them a little extra hint of something exotic. Add it with your cinnamon and a touch of ginger and you've got something good.

[Oatmeal Cookie Guy]

Hi, Alicia. I have had ginger cookies that had some black pepper in them. You're right...it's a really good combo. But cayenne or chili pepper is a lot hotter than black pepper. I think that cayenne or chili pepper in a ginger cookie or a raisin cookie would be a little too "in your face." But the heat of the cayenne/chili complements the chocolate really well and just works. Those Aztecs really knew what they were doing when they put chili in their hot chocolate!

[Jonnazz]

when are those El-Paso cookies coming?!

[Alicia]

Well, I like red pepper. It's a little hotter than black, but I like the complexity of it. I may have to try a little the next time I make my oatmeal cookies. Maybe 1/8 of a teaspoon. You know a little goes a long way.

BTW, I want to get on the mailing list. :) Those white chocolate macaroons sound awesome. I'd make them, but no one in my house eats coconut cookies but me.

[Oatmeal Cookie Guy]

Hi, Alicia. I think you and Mumma would be fast friends. She loves coconut as well. :-)

If you like red pepper, you should try my hotter chocolate cookies. I think I might make the El Paso cookie later this week.

Maybe I should think about doing internet cookie sales...

[Tracey in WA]

I already beat you to it, I used it when I made your Hot(ter) Chocolate Cookies ... to die for!!! I even added a dash of Chipotle Tabasco to glaze and put on them ... you can't beat Chocolate & Chipotle!!! Maybe you could rename them to Holy Mole Cookies :)

[Oatmeal Cookie Guy]

Hi, Tracey. That's a good one--"Holy Mole"! I might have to use that...