Chef John's Chili Chocolate Cookies

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

3 . Stage

Heat currants and coffee liqueur in a saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4 . Stage

Combine unsweetened chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, and butter in bowl. Place bowl on top of a saucepan filled with 1-inch of water set over low heat. Stir chocolate mixture occasionally until melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

5 . Stage

Mix flour, black pepper, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in large bowl and set aside.

6 . Stage

Whisk sugar and eggs in a small bowl until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in vanilla and melted chocolate mixture.

7 . Stage

Fold flour mixture into sugar and chocolate mixture until combined.

8 . Stage

Stir in dark chocolate chips and liqueur-soaked currants.

9 . Stage

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.

10 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are almost set, about 12 minutes.

11 . Stage

Remove from the oven and leave on baking sheets to cool, 5 minutes.

12 . Stage

Transfer to cooling rack and allow to finish cooling, 5 minutes.