Black Pepper Sugar Cookies

Calm the hell down, mmm-kay? I wouldn't steer you wrong, would I? Of course not, so let's all put on those steampunk helmets, turn the cranks, and open our minds just a smidge, deal? Deal!

These cookies are sweet, sugary, and just a little spicy. You can tweak the amount of black pepper you use to suit your tastes - I know I did! Also, throwing a Hershey's Kiss in the middle might be a good way to cool off the peppery taste. I just thought of that, however, so I could be a million miles off base.


Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Light brown sugar

Equipment:

• Baking sheet(s)
• Electric mixer
• 2 large bowls

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (Fahrenheit) and grease your baking sheets.
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, black pepper, and baking powder, and set aside.
   
3. In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
   
4. Beat in egg and vanilla into the butter/sugar mixture, then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients.
   
5. Allow the dough to cool in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Scoop the cold dough into rounded teaspoons and roll them in brown sugar.
7. Place the balls on the greased cookie sheets.
8. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes (or until golden brown) at 375.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing the cookies from baking sheets and cooling on a wire rack.