150 Best- Mayan Mystery Cookies

ST calls these "Lion" cookies. I started making them when she was little and really couldn't form "m". It is a family treasure now. We also do not add the "mystery" because we are too impatient and the mystery is only good immediately upon coming out of the oven: making left overs not as pleasing. Not that you have leftovers with this cookie!

MT is cookie master today. Showing you the finer points of rolling the dough.

And then rolling the balls in sugar until well coated.

Baking them for the perfect time. They do not flatten that much.

Taking them out of the oven.
We had great plans for a final photo but we ate all the cookies! We just couldn't wait.

Mayan Mystery Cookies (source: 150 Best American Recipes)

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This makes a small batch of wonderfully delicious cookies. I have found that people either love these or hate them.
  • 1 1/2 sticks butter, soft
  • 3/4 c sugar
Cream butter and sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tea vanilla
Add to creamed mixture
  • 1 1/2 c four
  • 1 1/2 tea baking powder
  • 1/4 tea salt
  • 1/2 tea pepper
  • 1 tea cinnamon
  • 1/4 tea allspice
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 c cocoa powder
Mix dry. Add to wet and mix until batter is uniform.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Roll into balls. Roll balls in sugar.
Bake 8 minutes @350-they do not flatten. I use a #40 cookie scoop (approx 1 1/2 TB) for these cookies. The recipe says it makes 5 dozen...I find it only makes 2 dozen with the size scoop I use.

If you are feeling decadent...make an indentation before baking. Fill the well with chocolate ganache! MMMM Grand. That is my favorite way to have these- Toni's Mayan Thumbprints!! A new creation.



Comments

Stella said…
These cookies sound great, and what a little cutie! That's a domestic witch in the making if I've ever seen one...
yummm... with the chocolate whats not to love!!
Stella and Dennis-
You must try these! They are so delish. Thanks for stopping by. In fact, I think I need to go make a batch!
I have to make these. I love chocolate. I want the helper too. She is doing a great job.
Caitlin S said…
mmmm...... definitely one of my favorites.
Anonymous said…
My kitchen helper is all grown-up with little ones of her own. Now they are helping her in the kitchen. The circle of life... :)
Mendy said…
ב''ה

Way to go helper. Looks like fun and delish.
Sweet and Savory,
She is the best! I love my three kitchen helpers.

Caitlin,
Glad to see you are alive! Come over for cake.

Moogie,
The circle of life...mmmm reminds me of cake and cookies..anything round.

Mendy,
Hello friend. I hope your helper is doing well.
Sarah said…
We sure do love those!
Caryn S said…
I made these for my son's ALP class party tomorrow. They are studying the Mayans and he needed to take something that relates to them. He and his sisters seemed to like them, so I'm sure they will be a hit. Just a few suggestions. You didn't put the oven temp in the recipe (I guessed it must be 350!) and also it would be helpful if you put in how large the cookies should be and how many the recipe makes. Also, again I guessed this was teaspoons, but you didn't put the measurement for the baking soda.
Caryn,
Thank you so much for your edits and suggestions. It is teaspoons for the baking powder and it is 350 degrees. I have made those changes and appreciate your comment. I also added that when I make these I make two dozen..with a #40 cookie scoop.
Caryn,
I would love to hear how they go over in your son's class!
David K said…
I tried these yesterday afternoon - with the dark chocolate ganache option. Put me in the 'Love Them' camp.

Next time I make them, I'm going to try substituting cardamom for the cinnamon and upping the cayenne content a bit. Daddy likes it spicy.