Hey there my friend 👋. You are about to make the most delicious Black Pearl Cookies ever. These cookies have a deep chocolatey taste with a bit of spice that takes them to the next level.
And guess what? My little trick cuts down on mixing time while making the cookies even richer. Keep reading because I am going to tell you everything you need to know.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack
Important Info
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5, depending on ingredient prices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
- Additional time: 10 minutes for cooling
- Calories per serving: 180 calories per cookie
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Black Pearl Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Unsalted butter | Coconut oil or margarine |
| Brown sugar | Coconut sugar |
| White sugar | Honey or maple syrup |
| Dark chocolate chips | Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips |
| Ground ginger | Pumpkin spice mix |
| Ground cayenne pepper | Chili powder |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- For a bolder flavor, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t like spicy cookies, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for longer.
- Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
What to Serve with Black Pearl Cookies
You can enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you are serving them at a party, pair them with other chocolate treats for a dessert platter.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A simple plate works fine, but if you want to impress, stack the cookies on a cake stand or arrange them in a cookie tin for gifting. Warm them slightly before serving for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights in. They also make a great gift when wrapped in a decorative box. Since they store well, they are perfect for road trips and lunchbox treats too.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will last up to 2 weeks, but let them sit at room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without the spice?
Yes, you can skip the ginger and cayenne pepper if you prefer a classic chocolate cookie.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but dark chocolate enhances the rich flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for milk or semi-sweet chocolate.
How do I make these cookies softer?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar and avoid overbaking them. Keeping them in an airtight container also helps.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
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