Hey there my friend 
. If you like cookies with a kick, you are going to love this. These capsaicin cookies have just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance. I use cayenne pepper instead of regular chili flakes because it blends better into the dough.
And oh, by the way, my secret chilling step makes the cookies come out with the perfect crispy edges.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Important Info
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5 depending on the ingredients you have at home
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Additional time: 30 minutes for chilling
- Calories per serving: 180 calories per cookie
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect for any season
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: VegetarianDiet
How to Make Capsaicin Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this treat and how to put it all together.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)
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 | Almond flour (for a gluten-free option) |
| Unsalted butter | Coconut oil |
| Brown sugar | Coconut sugar |
| Cayenne pepper | Chili powder or red pepper flakes |
| Chocolate chips | White chocolate chips or caramel bits |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in vanilla extract and egg until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips: If using, gently mix them in.
- Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the flavors blend and prevent spreading.
- Scoop and bake: Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper by ¼ teaspoon.
- Chilling the dough makes the cookies thicker and chewier. Don’t skip this step.
- For an even spicier twist, add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for 1-2 extra minutes.
What to Serve with Capsaicin Cookies
You can enjoy these cookies on their own, but they pair well with:
- Cold milk – Balances out the heat
- Vanilla ice cream – A hot-and-cold contrast
- Coffee or hot chocolate – For a cozy snack
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Let the cookies cool completely before serving. A cookie jar or plate lined with parchment paper is best for presentation.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday parties – A spicy twist on classic cookies
- Game nights – Something fun and different
- Spicy food lovers’ meetups – Surprise your friends with this unique treat
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days.
Refrigeration
- If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Freezing
- Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for 5 minutes at 300°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies less spicy?
Yes, reduce the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon or leave it out completely if you prefer a mild version.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?
You can use chili powder or red pepper flakes, but they might change the texture slightly.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. This helps deepen the flavor.
Do these cookies stay crispy or chewy?
They are crispy on the edges and chewy in the middle. If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for a couple of extra minutes.
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