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Mexican Chocolate Pepita Shortbread Cookies | Magnolia Days

Mexican Chocolate Pepita Shortbread Cookies

Delightful and crunchy Mexican Chocolate Pepita Shortbread Cookies have a nutty flavor from pumpkin seed kernels and a touch of cinnamon.
Course Cookies
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 26 minutes
Cook Time 54 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 40 cookies
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw unsalted pepitas pumpkin seed kernels
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate do not use chips, chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • Turbinado sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Toast pepitas by placing them in a large dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. They will lighten in color and some will pop. Remove pepitas from skillet and cool to room temperature.
  2. Grind pepitas in a food processor or spice grinder until coarsely ground.
  3. Place chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Melt, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Transfer chocolate to a large bowl and cool for 3 minutes.
  4. Add butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to chocolate. Beat until thoroughly combined.
  5. Whisk together flour and ground pepitas. Add to creamed mixture and beat until just combined.
  6. Divide dough in half. Press each half firmly together and shape into a 7-inch log. Wrap logs in parchment paper and chill thoroughly, at least 3 hours or overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick liners.
  8. Cut each log into 20 slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  9. Whisk egg white and water together.
  10. Brush cookies with egg white and sprinkle turbinado sugar or sprinkles on top.
  11. Bake cookies for 18 minutes, or until just firm to touch.
  12. Cool cookies 5 minutes on baking sheets then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

Time stated does not include cooling pepitas and chilling dough.