Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)

There are few things as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Among the many cookie varieties, Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies—also known as Chocolate Snickerdoodles—offer a distinctive twist on a classic favorite. These cookies combine the buttery softness and subtle tang of traditional snickerdoodles with the rich, deep flavor of chocolate and a hint of warm cinnamon, reminiscent of authentic Mexican hot chocolate. The result is a cookie that is both familiar and exciting, with a flavor profile that is perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

What makes these cookies special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is rich and buttery, sweetened just right, with the cocoa powder adding a velvety chocolate taste. Rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, the cookies develop a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon gives each bite a comforting warmth that pairs beautifully with a hot drink, whether it’s a mug of milk, coffee, or, of course, a cup of traditional Mexican hot chocolate.

These cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. Using standard ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. The step-by-step instructions below will guide you through creating these delectable treats, ensuring that each cookie comes out perfectly every time. Additionally, tips and frequently asked questions at the end of the article will help troubleshoot common issues and provide insight into the baking process, so you can bake with confidence.

Ingredients

To make these Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the cookie dough:

• 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For rolling the cookies:

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Accurately measuring ingredients is key to achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Using room-temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough, while sifting the flour and cocoa powder together helps prevent lumps and guarantees an even, tender crumb.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. This step ensures your cookies retain their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a soft, tender cookie.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. At this stage, the dough should be smooth, slightly thick, and creamy.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting helps remove lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents, which is essential for achieving a consistent texture throughout the cookies.

Step 5: Mix dry ingredients into the wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense, tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky but firm enough to roll into balls.

Step 6: Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 to 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This coating will give your cookies their signature sweet-spicy crust.

Step 7: Shape and roll the cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look slightly soft. This ensures that the cookies remain chewy in the center after cooling. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cookies.

Step 9: Cool the cookies

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheets. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, retaining a soft and tender texture on the inside while the cinnamon-sugar coating forms a slightly crisp exterior.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, accompanied by a warm beverage. They can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or frozen for longer storage. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked taste.

Tips for the Best Cookies

1. Butter temperature matters: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. This affects the texture and spread of your cookies.
2. Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix only until combined to avoid tough cookies.
3. Uniform cookie size: Using a cookie scoop ensures even baking and consistent results.
4. Cinnamon-sugar coating: Adjust the cinnamon level to your taste preference. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for an authentic Mexican hot chocolate kick.
5. Storage tips: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and chewy. The bread helps retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon to help with texture.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely. If using unsalted butter, keep the 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt in the recipe. This balances the flavors perfectly.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips enhances the chocolate flavor without overwhelming the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the butter was too soft or melted. Make sure your butter is room temperature, and chill the dough for 10-15 minutes if necessary to prevent excessive spreading.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Shape the dough into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
At room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the dough if you prefer a less sweet cookie. Keep the cinnamon-sugar coating as it adds to the signature flavor.

Print

Conclusion

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles) are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate, cinnamon, and warm spices. They are soft, chewy, and coated in a sweet and slightly crisp cinnamon-sugar crust, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa, shared with friends, or packaged as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress with their flavor and charm. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, anyone can create these irresistible cookies at home. Their simplicity, versatility, and indulgent flavor make them a must-try recipe for cookie lovers and baking enthusiasts alike.