Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

• butter, melted↗3 1⁄2 tablespoons
• sugar↗1 cup
• corn syrup↗1⁄4 cup
• unsweetened applesauce↗1⁄3 cup
• cinnamon↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• cayenne pepper↗1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon

  1/2 - 1

• ground black pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• baking powder↗1 teaspoon
• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• cocoa powder↗1⁄2 cup
• flour↗1 1⁄2 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F Cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar.

3. 3

   Slowly add the syrup until mixed and then add applesauce until mixed and fluffy.

4. 4

   Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Slowly add the mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.

5. 5

   Drop onto sheets, leaving 2-3 inches between each cookie.

6. 6

   Bake for 12 minutes, they should look cooked but slightly shiny.

7. 7

   Remove to wire racks and cool.