Chocolate Lulus

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These unusual cookies have a bold, dark chocolate flavour, but really get their secret kick from the unrecognizable addition of pepper. Try these when you are not in the mood for an overly 'sweet' cookie. I should also note that when i made these, i only made 12 larger cookies, using tablespoon-sized balls of batter, and they came out smashingly as well. From maida heatter's brand-new book of great cookies.

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Steps

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Preheat oven to 350-degrees.

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Chop chocolate into pieces , and melt together with butter in microwave , just a couple of minutes.

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Add brown sugar and stir until well-mixed: let stand.

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Sift together flour , baking soda , cocoa , salt and pepper.

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Set aside.

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In large bowl , beat egg and vanilla just to mix.

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Add the chocolate mixture and stir to mix.

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Add the dry ingredients and stir just to mix.

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Place granulated sugar in shallow bowl.

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Form dough into teaspoon or so sized balls , rolling between palms of hands.

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Drop balls into granulated sugar.

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Roll well to coat , and place on lined cookie sheet , about 2 inches apart.

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Using a fork , flatten each cookie down slightly with tines.

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Bake for about 12 minutes.

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Cookies should be semifirm around edges and still somewhat soft in centers.

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They will crisp as they cool.

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Do not overbake.

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Store in airtight container.

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Repeat with remaining dough.

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Ingredients

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semisweet chocolate, unsalted butter, brown sugar, unbleached flour, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, black pepper, egg, vanilla extract, granulated sugar