Recipe: Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodles

CHOCOLATE CHAI SNICKERDOODLES

"The classic cinnamon-sugar cookie goes global with the addition of cocoa and flavors from India's famous spiced tea. Our test panel couldn't stop eating them!"

2 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

In a large mixer bowl, combine sugar and spices; reserve 1/2 cup of mixture in shallow bowl.

Add cocoa powder to mixer bowl; stir to blend. Add butter; beat at medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat at low speed until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat at low speed until combined. Stir in flour and baking powder.

Shape 1 tablespoon of dough into ball; roll in reserved sugar-spice mixture. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, placing balls 2 inches apart.

Bake in 350 degree F oven until edges are firm, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen
Source: Recipe magazine: Everybody Cooks, Dierbergs Family Markets, September 2006