ingredients
makes 36
3/4 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup fine sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cocoa powder
method
1. Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking sheet.
2. Put the butter, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla into a medium-sized bowl and thoroughly mix together, using a wooden spoon.
3. Gradually beat in the sugar and the egg, beating until creamy.
4. Sift the flour, salt and cocoa into the butter mixture.
5. Mix to form a stiff dough. Lightly flour your hands and roll the dough in walnut-sized balls.
6. Place the balls on the baking sheet leaving at least 1 1/4 inch between them.
7. With the heel of your hand press each ball flat so they are about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
