Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
With Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, the unexpected cinnamon and cayenne give this chocolate drop cookie a spicy twist. The surprise hint of heat from starts out subtle and then lingers, making you crave more.
Why make a cookie without butter?
For some people cooking without butter is an eating choice, others it’s allergies, or lactose intolerance, or other health reasons. For me, it is about being curious. What does a cookie taste like without butter? Will my family like it? Will I like it?
What makes these cookies so easy to make? The fact that they are drop cookies. I never really wondered what that meant, why is it called a chocolate drop cookie? Drop cookies are a type of cookie that you drop onto a cookie sheet with a spoon. No messy hands. A good thing!
Back to the cookie without butter question. Are there other substitutes that could be used?
There are many substitutes for butter:
- Applesauce [used in this recipe]
- Avocados [used in this recipe]
- Mashed bananas
- Greek yogurt
- Nut butters
- Pumpkin puree
A note about using avocados to replace butter. They do change the color of the item, a good rule of thumb is to use avocados when you are making something that is dark in color, like chocolate.
When swapping out avocados for butter, a 1:1 ratio will work. Replace 1 cup of butter with 1 cup of pureed avocados.
As a nutrition coach, my answer is, it depends on your goals and eating style choices.
In moderation, butter may be linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. It is not unhealthy fat. In addition, butter is best eaten alongside other healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, olive oils, coconuts, etc. as part of a balanced meal plan. You see, it is all about balance.
Is Mexican hot chocolate spicy?
I thought the answer was yes, but when I researched the ingredients for Mexican hot chocolate I discovered Champurrado, a warm, rich, creamy, thick, and chocolatey Mexican drink. Is your mouth watering? I know mine is. This summer I had the luxury of having some with my daughter for breakfast while visiting her in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is not a drink you forget easily. Champurrado has cinnamon in it but no kick of cayenne or chili powder.
I can't remember the first time I had chocolate with spice. It may have been when I taught a chocolate and yoga class where we completed a yoga flow and then took a break to enjoy the goodness of different types of chocolate. Whenever it was, I know I fell in love with it.
Is Mexican hot chocolate spicy? It can be and it is very good when you add cinnamon, cayenne, or chill power - or put all three in. Let me know what you think. But authentic Mexican hot chocolate recipes seem to only use cinnamon.
Ready to start making cookies? Gather up your ingredients.
Mealtime conversation starters
Many of us are longing to travel. You think of far away places and what comes to mind? Different languages. Today’s conversation starter will not ask if those around you can speak a second language, rather - role play a bit. See who is able to:
QUESTION: Think of a country you would like to visit. Can you speak in that the accent?
Have fun with this! If you are feeling adventurous, show us how it went.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado ripe, mashed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg large
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On medium speed mix the mashed avocado until fluffy. Add ½ cup brown sugar and beat until combined. Add egg, applesauce, and vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
- To the wet mix, add wheat flour, cocoa powder, and oats. Blend well, scraping the bowl as needed. Add cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and baking soda.
- Once all is combined, fold in ¼ cup dark chocolate chips.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop sprayed with cooking spray to scoop the dough into generous balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon in size or slightly bigger. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, until dough is gone - keeping each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies until the center is slightly firm, 8-12 minutes. Don’t over bake. Cool on a baking sheet.
Video
Notes
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
Some handy advice: You can use your hands to practice calorie control without weighing and measuring.
Using hand position size is an alternative way to decide how much to eat visually. It gives you a way to quickly estimate what's on your plate, using protein, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fat. It's an alternative to counting macros which generally has you weighing and reading nutrition labels to count protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
To learn more, read How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
Michelle Johnson Jerome is an expert on busting through perfectionism. She is passionate about helping others live life with purpose and joy. By drawing on her extensive experience as a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor she helps develop a realistic approach to goal setting that allows you to make progress and stop obsessing over mistakes.
Find other articles written by Michelle on her coach profile. Discover your "easy button": learn how to manage life's unpleasant parts so you can move forward, reach your goals, and live your best life.
