Directions

1. Beat with an electric mixer:
   Unsalted butter, softened
   Brown sugar
   Granulated sugar

2. Add and mix completely:
   Egg
   Vanilla extract

3. Sift together, then add and mix just until completely incorporated:
   Flour
   Cocoa
   Salt
   Cinnamon
   Cayenne pepper
   Black pepper

4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill until firm. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured counter to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with your favorite Ann Clark cookie cutters.

   Then transfer the cookies onto cookie sheets that have been lined with parchment paper or silicone liners. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until the surface of the cookies looks completely dry and set.

   Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

   Drizzle with melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white), if desired, before serving

5. Enjoy!