These sparkle-edged treats gain flavor from a hefty dose of instant espresso powder, along with a bit of ground black pepper and cinnamon. Don’t be tempted to substitute instant coffee for the espresso powder—the flavor and texture will not be as good.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 4 dozen

　　1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

　　3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

　　1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

　　1/4 teaspoon finely ground pepper, plus more for sprinkling

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

　　1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

　　1 cup granulated sugar

　　1 large egg

　　1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

　　Coarse sanding sugar, for rolling

　　

Step 1

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, pepper, espresso powder, and cinnamon into a large bowl.

　　

Step 2

Put butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.

　　

Step 3

Turn out dough onto a piece of parchment paper, and roll into a 2-inch-diameter log. Roll log in the parchment. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

　　

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove log from parchment. Let soften slightly at room temperature, about 5 minutes. Roll log in sanding sugar, gently pressing down to adhere sugar to dough. Transfer log to a cutting board, and slice into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place rounds on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 1 inch apart. Sprinkle each round with freshly ground pepper.

　　

Step 5

Bake cookies until there is slight resistance when you lightly touch centers, about 10 minutes, rotating halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.

　　Martha Stewart's Cookies