Mostaccioli are traditional Italian Christmas cookies that are packed with warm spices and coated in rich chocolate. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts for family and friends. The blend of aromatic spices combined with the sweetness of the chocolate makes these cookies a delightful addition to the holiday season. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of Mostaccioli Spiced Chocolate Dipped Cookies and infuse your home with the cozy scents of the festive season.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Using the back of a fork, gently flatten each ball to create a round cookie shape.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
11. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
12. Place the chocolate-dipped cookies back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set at room temperature.
13. Once the chocolate has hardened, store the Mostaccioli Spiced Chocolate Dipped Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
These Mostaccioli Spiced Chocolate Dipped Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Enjoy the delightful blend of warm spices and rich chocolate with every bite. Share these festive treats with loved ones or savor them with a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect cozy holiday indulgence. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
