(Ch)3 Cookies

These cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the heat of chiles + the tart sweetness of dried cherries. The amount of cayenne used in this recipe will leave you with a nice warmth in your mouth, without actual spiciness, and is balanced by the other flavors. For more oomph add half again as much cayenne, or even double. (Makes ~40 cookies)

You'll need:
cookie sheets
parchment paper or silicone sheet liners
1.75 c all-purpose flour
0.5 c Dutch-processed cocoa
1 t baking soda
0.5 t ground cayenne pepper
1 c butter, softened
0.75 c sugar
0.75 c brown sugar
1 t salt
2 eggs
1 t pure vanilla extract
2 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 c dried cherries

Now do this:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine flour thru cayenne; set aside.
Cream butter, sugars, and salt.
Add eggs + vanilla to butter mixture.
Add flour mix to butter mix.
Stir in chocolate chips + cherries.
Scoop (#40) or spoon onto lined cookie sheets; gently flatten dough balls.
Bake 10 minutes.
Cool on rack 5 minutes before removing from pan.
Enjoy!