Spicy Chocolate Macaroons

Need a little spice in your life? These chocolate macaroon bites are perfect to flavor things up!

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In large bowl, combine flour, cocoa and cayenne pepper. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips and peanuts; mix well. Add condensed milk and vanilla extract; mix until thoroughly combined (mixture will be thick and sticky).  Roll level tablespoons of mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.

Bake 12-14 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from oven; cool cookies on cookie sheet 2-3 minutes. Transfer cookies to cooling grid; cool completely. Repeat with remaining cookie mixture. Store cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Makes about 50 cookies.

Substitutions: 

• If desired, substitute ½ cup finely chopped almonds for peanuts and substitute 2 teaspoons almond extract for vanilla extract.
• Omit chopped nuts.  Sprinkle with Sparkling Sugars.