Tuesday, September 20, 2011

TWD: Salt and Pepper Cocoa Shortbread



Today it is my turn to host TWD! As we near the end of the book I was lucky enough to be chosen to pick a SECOND time. I am a huge fan of salt and pepper (and all condiments, come to think of it!). I usually sprinkle so much pepper on my bagel and cream cheese that you can't even see the cream cheese. No exaggerating.

These cookies really intrigued me and I'm happy to report that they were well received. Most people could not even distinguish the presence of the pepper, so it was really more like cocoa shortbread with a little "je ne sais quoi". I also dunked mine in a bowl of sugar before baking to give them a sugar-coated finish. To all the other Tuesdays with Dorie Bakers, thank you for taking the pepper challenge and baking along with me this week. This week is a bit of blur for me as my boyfriend and I count down to our long-awaited New York trip (leaving in 4 days!!!)

Salt and Pepper Cocoa Shortbread
"Baking" by Dorie Greenspan

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix the flour and cocoa together in a bowl and set aside. With an electric mixer beat the butter until smooth and add in the sugar, continue to beat until they incorporate. Add the yolk, salt, pepper and vanilla, beat until smooth. Add the flour and cocoa mixture in a few separate additions. Mix until combined.

Turn the dough out onto your workspace and divide the dough in half. You want to roll 2 six inch logs, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

Once the dough has chilled cut the logs into 1/2 inch rounds (you will end up with 24 cookies) bake for 12-15 minutes in a 350 degree until firm. Let them cool a minute on the hot trays before moving to cooling racks.

23 comments:

Mary said...

Great pick. I really enjoyed it. :)

Jules Someone said...

This was a fun pick. I kept nibbling on cookies just to see if I could taste the pepper. Good thing I made mine small!

Valerie Gamine said...

Tia, I'm the same way when it comes to pepper! I sprinkle it over everything. :D

These cookies were amazing, thanks for a fabulous pick! Love the sugar coating...it's like a thin sheet of fallen snow.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for hosting Tia! I'm not a big fan of pepper so I was skeptical, but these were great :)

Hindy said...

We loved this cookie. Wonderful choice!

Nicole said...

I liked this pick! I was pleasantly surprised by these. I didn't add the extra sugar because my husband complains when I do, but I think it makes things look and taste better.

Jessica of My Baking Heart said...

A surprise indeed... thanks for hostessing this week, Tia! And have a ball in New York! :)

spike. said...

love the sugar coating. Have fun in New york!

TeaLady said...

I AM making this next week. I know they will be good.

Kayte said...

Thanks for the pick this week, my husband loved them. I like how you covered up the chocolate...tee hee, I'm not a chocolate fan so to me these look even more wonderful!!

acme said...

I was thinking these would be a great Halloween cookie because of the color, maybe next to a orange cookie...

Nichicakes said...

Great pick this week!

Flourchild said...

Im glad everyone loved them! They look perfect! Thanks for hosting this week!

Jacque said...

Great pick, I really enjoyed these. An extra coating of sugar looks extra good.

raquel erecipe said...

for me i think the taste is great...would love to try these shortbread.

Nancy/n.o.e said...

we're huge fans of pepper too - and salt - so I added extra! At first I thought your cookies had a salt crust and I was impressed by your bravery. I added salt on top but not quite that much! Thanks for the fun pick.

Jaime said...

I should have sugar coated mine! so much prettier :) I loved the salt and pepper in these! great pick!

Katrina said...

Love the sugar coated cookies! I drizzled mine with chocolate. Loved the S&P. These were great!

Cakelaw said...

I love the sugar coating on your shortbread - come to think of it, Christmas shortbread usually comes caoted with sugar, so it was a good idea. Thanks for hosting us this week, and enjoy your trip to NYC!

Anonymous said...

your cookies look awesome...love the sugar coating!!

alvarosa said...

As always and ever yours look perfect and you (again) found a way to make yours special. Thanks for picking a very special recipe!

Rituparna said...

These look absolutely delicious. I love pepper & these must taste really different in this combination.

steph- whisk/spoon said...

we enjoyed these little slice & bakes, so thanks for the pick. hope you had a great time in new york!!