Most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May), even though it’s a Mexican holiday, and has nothing to do with America. It is simply a great day to celebrate and serve good Mexican food. Mexico has great desserts, and the following Cinco de Mayo Shortbread is one of them. They are good alone, but great as an accompaniment to Mexican puddings or ice cream.

These cookies are very chocolatey, and also include cinnamon and chile powder for a very different taste. They have a sandy texture, and are delicious. The key is to make sure you roll the dough to 1/4” thick rather than thinner.

36 Cookies

2 cups flour
2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa, preferably Dutch
1 tablespoon Pasilla chile powder, or use Ancho chile powder, which is a little milder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup softened butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Extra sugar for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 300°. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats or spray with non-stick spray.
2. Place a fine strainer over a large mixer bowl. Measure the flour, baking cocoa, chile powder, salt, and cinnamon into the strainer, and shake through.
3. Add the brown and white sugars and mix.
4. Cut the butter into pieces and use the K-attachment to cut the butter in. Mixture will be crumbly.
5. Add the vanilla and mix until the dough comes together and turns very dark.
6. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface (I love my silicone rolling mat) to 1/4" thickness.
7. Cut the dough into 2" rounds. Sprinkle the tops with a little granulated sugar, and prick in two places with a fork (I have no idea why, but it must be a Mexican thing) Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake 30-35 minutes or until firm.
9. Remove from the oven and transfer to cooling racks. Let cool thoroughly before storing in an airtight container.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 89 Calories from Fat 49
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 55% Protein 5% Carb. 40%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 14 mg
Sodium 98 mg
Total Carbohydrate 9 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g

Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%