Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2
Beat together 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in cream of tartar and baking soda. Beat in cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and cayenne powder. Beat in flour. Stir chocolate chips into dough until incorporated.

Step 3
Mix together remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.

Step 4
Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll balls in sugar-cinnamon mixture and place 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until centers are set and edges are slightly cracked, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.