Chocolate Stars with Pink Peppercorns

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Chocolate Stars with Pink Peppercorns

Labels: { Chocolate, Cookies and Bars, Holiday Specials, Spelt }

These chocolate star cookies are special for the holidays or any time you crave sweets. The cookie dough was prepared with spelt flour, cocoa, and marzipan, and formed into stars. They are very tasty and pretty enough, thanks to the white chocolate coating and pink peppercorns, to decorate the X’mas tree or give away as the presents.

Chocolate Stars with Pink Peppercorns

adapted from Küchen Götter

310 g Refined spelt flour
1/2 tsp Baking powder
50 g Cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
100 g Powdered sugar
1/5 tsp Nutmeg powder
1 tsp Orange zest
150 g Unsalted butter, diced
50 g Marzipan paste, diced
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla extract
200 g White couverture
4 tbsp Pink peppercorns

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together spelt flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, powdered sugar, nutmeg and orange zest. Add in diced butter, marzipan paste, egg and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth dough. Shape the dough into a disc, then wrap in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using.
Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 160C/320F, fan-forced. Remove the dough from the fridge and place it between two pieces of plastic film. Roll it out to 3mm thick. Cut with a 5cm star cookies cutter or any shape you prefer. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. Remove and cool on pans.
Meanwhile, cut the white couverture into smaller pieces and place them in a heat proof bowl. Set the bowl on a pot of hot water. After 10 minutes, give the chocolate a good stir until completely smooth. Dip the cookies with white chocolate and garnish with pink peppercorns. Place coated cookies on wax paper and let stand until firm.

116 comments:

Koko 8/11/12 07:22: Beautiful Christmas treats. I adore a holiday cookie that can be made with spelt flour! The peppercorns add such a pretty touch to these. These are unlike any Christmas cookie I've ever made....pinning it for sure.
Rosa's Yummy Yums 8/11/12 07:24: A fantastic combination! Those are wonderfully festivee cookies.

Cheers,

Rosa
WP 8/11/12 07:39: Hi Angie,

Can the marzipan paste be omitted? Or replaced?
The Duo Dishes 8/11/12 07:43: Those are great holiday cookies. The color and bite of pepper is perfect.
Elin 8/11/12 08:46: Angie...looks like you are preparing Christmas earlier than me :) nice star cookies with those beautiful peppercorns :)
baker in disguise 8/11/12 08:50: oooo.. really nice!! u can make them into other shapes..and love the idea of pink peppercorns.. thats unique.. have never come across it!! :)
Baker Street 8/11/12 09:15: Incredible combination. They look so cute, Angie! Thanks for sharing. I'm off to make me a batch. :)
Sokehah cheah 8/11/12 09:31: Aren't they cute! The pink peppercorns are they natural or you dye them?
Mich Piece of Cake 8/11/12 10:18: These really put me into a holiday mood! Love the pink peppercorn!
Priya Suresh 8/11/12 11:18: Damn attractive chocolate stars, prefect for christmas gifts.
Alicia Foodycat 8/11/12 11:22: So pretty! And what wonderful flavours.
kitchen flavours 8/11/12 11:34: Delightful cookies! The addition of the pink peppercorns makes the cookies looks so pretty with wonderful flavours!
Angie's Recipes 8/11/12 12:06: @Cheah ~ No-Frills Recipes
They are natural red/pink peppercorns.
Angie's Recipes 8/11/12 12:08: @WP That got me, but since marzipan paste is basically almond and sugar, you can replace it with icing sugar and ground almond.
Caroline Taylor 8/11/12 12:19: These look great. I love the use of pink peppercorns!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen 8/11/12 12:53: Incredibly festive and the pink peppercorns are an amazing idea! Wonderful cookies Angie!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert 8/11/12 14:33: Very, very pretty Angie! The cookies are perfect. Can't wait to start holiday baking :) The white icing really gives them a festive presentation.
Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover 8/11/12 15:27: Wow, pink peppercorns, never seen before , sound so sweet and lovely.
Joanne 8/11/12 15:42: I love the savory touch from the pink peppercorns!!
Ana Regalado 8/11/12 15:47: Angie , what a beautiful and wholesome cookies ! I've seen some pink peppercorns here and nearly bought it because it look so pretty ! lol
Sweet Posy Dreams 8/11/12 16:14: So pretty. Love the pink peppercorns. What an unexpected flavor punch that adds.
CJ - Food Stories 8/11/12 16:44: Oh my goodness - These are gorgeous, Angie :-)
Finla 8/11/12 17:00: They are so beautiful and with those pink pepper it is like jewels :-)
Pam 8/11/12 17:14: Great combination! The peppercorns make terrific decorations too.
Anonymous 8/11/12 17:53: Such pretty cookies! The pink peppercorns just make them that much better :)
Kitcheninspirations 8/11/12 18:24: Elegant, beautiful and very tasty sounding. I really love the combo of savoury with sweet (salted chocolate or salted caramel being my fav's) but I could surely get into these with the pink peppercorns. I have star cookie cutters too...and I thought I had my weekend planned.
Evelyne CulturEatz 8/11/12 19:53: So cute!!! Like the marzipan in there and I actually like sweets with pepper when it matches well. Great idea.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies 8/11/12 21:38: One of my favorite chocolate bars has pink peppercorns in it. I love that hint of spiciness with the sweet chocolate, so I know I'd love these cookies too!
Karen (Back Road Journal) 8/11/12 21:53: Pretty cookies...I like the color the peppercorns add plus the spicy bite they will give.
Velva 8/11/12 23:13: The pink peppercorns is really nice addition. Have I mentioned that I love marzipan? I probably write that on your blog at least once a year.

Velva
Anonymous 8/11/12 23:52: You are certainly already in The Christmas mood, dear Angie! :) Yeah! Your christmas stars & shooting stars look just so festive & fabulicious too! Yeah! I think that the added red peppercorn bits must add tons of kick ass flavour! I also love the marzipan in the cookies: double yum!

I must make them with my super collection ofmore then 200 cookie cutters! I can't wait to make them! :) Thanks!!!
Beth 9/11/12 00:56: Your cookies are absolutely adorable! You're getting a head start on your Christmas cooking.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen 9/11/12 01:09: They are just beautiful, Angie! The peppercorns must give the chocolate a nice 'kick'. Lovely idea.
teresa 9/11/12 01:14: oh how pretty! i love those pink peppercorns!
Susan 9/11/12 01:22: Angie, so pretty and remind me a little of Lebkuchen that my grandma used to bake. I love to add pepper to my gingerbread and I bet these would be a big hit too. Not too early to decide on what will be in my cookie boxes!
Amelia 9/11/12 03:57: Hi Angie, wow.... very cute and pretty stars cookies. Love the pink peppercorns. As usual beautiful photos that I like to admire.

Have a nice week ahead.
Noob Cook 9/11/12 07:28: They look so festive and Christmasy! :D
Viviane Bauquet Farre 9/11/12 07:50: Very classy, Angie. Elegant, sharp, and clean - this is a great gift aesthetic. Love what you churn out of that kitchen of yours...!
Kit @ i-lostinausten 9/11/12 08:08: Wow! These cookies look so festive & yummy! Lovely with red peppercorns that I happene to have some at home! YUM!
Sutapa 9/11/12 08:23: Delicious Christmas cookies ..a treat for the eyes...love pink peppercorns ..they add the beauty!
Alice 9/11/12 10:02: looks like early xmas cookies :) very pretty :)
Veronica's Kitchen 9/11/12 11:56: Oh Christmas is coming.... about time to think of some preparation. These cookies are great gift idea!
My Kitchen Stories. 9/11/12 12:24: I ciommented but its not here.....so I return to say this is a very special recipe and I love it. One of my favourite sweet accompaniments. Not many people use them... peppercorns and chocolate ..love
Norma Chang 9/11/12 14:24: Just in time for the Christmas baking.
rita cooks italian 9/11/12 15:07: I love Christmas cookies and yours are great. I sometimes focus so much on the shape/decoration that I forgot about the taste. Your biscuits have a great shape and very good ingredients too!!
MunatyCooking 9/11/12 17:03: So adorable and perfect looking cookies :)
Jen @ Jens Favorite Cookies 9/11/12 17:08: So cute! I'd love to find some pink peppercorns!
Elisabeth 9/11/12 19:02: Angie, I have not seen anything like these gorgeous Christmas stars in any of our recipes here, in the U.S. I wanted to pin it first; but if I do, I may not come back to comment until later, cause I would get so distracted on pinterest. The pink peppercorns are lovely and festive; but for sure not 'kid friendly'...they may be in for a shock...but as for me, I love it!
mjskit 9/11/12 21:28: What cute little holiday cookies and GORGEOUS pics! Great combination of chocolate and the peppercorns!
Unknown 10/11/12 00:08: Pretty photos! You're getting me in the mood for Christmas with your sweet chocolate stars! Love the spelt flour, I just picked up a new bag;-)
chow and chatter 10/11/12 04:10: these are lovely so German love it
great-secret-of-life 10/11/12 10:40: looks Awesome.. feel like Christmas is here! Love it
great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com
nancy at good food matters 10/11/12 22:20: very clever and creative, Angie. I love the idea of using the pink peppercorns on this holiday cookies, adding both a savory-spice element and a decoration to the treat. Well done!
Nancy 10/11/12 22:48: I can't believe the holiday season has arrived already. But what a great way to welcome it with these cookies. Thanks for sharing Angie:)
Dude for Food 11/11/12 00:28: These look delicious, just perfect for the coming holidays!
Gloria Baker 11/11/12 04:26: Just beautiful and georgeous!!! lovely Christmas cookies!
CQUEK 11/11/12 06:45: I love the rich simplicity and warmth that this dish seems to promise!
What's Baking?? 11/11/12 10:27: Looking at your cookies makes me so in the mood for xmas. Love your cookies. They are so delightfully Christmas-y.
JasmyneTea 11/11/12 10:52: I can't believe it's nearly Christmas! Holy Moly :O
Your cookies look great, I'm tempted to try them.
Kathy 11/11/12 13:59: Angie, Absolutely beautiful…with gorgeous photos!! These cookies sound so interesting and very delicious!!
Anonymous 11/11/12 14:00: These are so elegant and pretty Angie. A taste for Christmas. I like the decorations too. Brava!
Parsley Sage 11/11/12 14:40: These are absolutely precious!
Peggy G. 11/11/12 18:45: What a perfect treat for the holidays! Love the pink peppercorn touch =)
Rosita Vargas 11/11/12 20:43: Esta receta me encantó se ve muy deliciosa,abrazos y abrazos.
motherrimmy 11/11/12 22:39: Cocoa, orange zest and nutmeg sounds like a delicious combination. These stars are so fun!
Unknown 11/11/12 23:12: How pretty Angie, you're getting me in the holiday spirit!
Cass @foodmyfriend 12/11/12 00:14: You beat me to Christmas! Love this flavour match. I have pink peppercorns in the pantry. The last thing I made with them was marinated mushrooms. Nom. I suppose they would be like chilli and chocolate?
Debra Eliotseats 12/11/12 02:23: I love that you decorated with pink peppercorns.
EA-The Spicy RD 12/11/12 03:26: These are SO pretty! Almost too pretty to eat :-) Love the addition of pink peppercorn-spicy cookies, yum!
Anonymous 12/11/12 04:00: How clever to use pink peppercorns to decorate cookies. These are just beautiful!
jasna varcakovic 12/11/12 04:41: Looks like you've started Christmas baking...Stars are beautiful!
Cass @foodmyfriend 12/11/12 05:10: Also, I have nominated you for a Liebster blog award <3
http://www.foodmyfriend.com/2012/11/liebster-blog-award/
Vicki Bensinger 12/11/12 05:37: These are beautiful and healthy! I love that you used pink pepper or a with them. Very unique!
Belinda @zomppa 12/11/12 12:02: Is this is a sign that it is the holidays?? What a sign that is!
Geri Saucier 12/11/12 18:02: These cookies are beautiful. Love the pink peppercorns. Need to bake some for my family ASAP. Thanks for the great recipe.
Reeni 13/11/12 03:08: Very pretty with the peppercorns Angie! I love marzipan!
Unknown 13/11/12 13:32: These look incredible, Angie! I love the use of the pink peppercorns.. definitely different than the normal Christmas cookie :)
Kelly Mulcair Registered Nutritionist. Content © 2011 Trinity Nutrition. 13/11/12 21:54: I was just working with pink peppercorn myself the other day! (Great minds ;-)). So pretty Angie - these cookies would set any holiday table aglow!
Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine 13/11/12 23:51: These are just darling!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com 14/11/12 02:00: This cookies looks so festive!! Perfect for the upcoming holiday season :)
Terra 14/11/12 06:49: I wish I could frost cookies that perfect:-) Your cookies look and sound lovely! Hugs, Terra
Amy 14/11/12 07:58: These are so pretty and festive. I love those with the shooting star shapes. :) I can make lots of wishes as they shoot into my tummy! hahaa...
Helene Dsouza 14/11/12 11:23: Oh they look like the ones my mum would make for christmas, just that you came up with that brilliant idea to add red peppercorns as topping. Looks incredible Angie!
Asmita 14/11/12 19:22: Beautiful cookies! So festive!
grace 15/11/12 18:40: these are terrific, angie--i love the idea of a little zip in my cookies. plus, the color of the pink peppercorns just pops! :)
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness 16/11/12 02:13: These cookies look fabulous. They would be great for the holidays!
Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake 16/11/12 03:57: SO beautiful! I would have made a mess with dipping the cookies...but you did them perfectly!
Jeanette 18/11/12 18:14: What pretty holiday cookies - and I love the pink peppercorns on top! I'm just starting to think about which cookies to bake for my kids this holiday season.
My Little Space 20/11/12 13:04: Oh Angie, are these fresh peppercorn? I heard that there's a famous peppercorn cookies available somewhere in China and it's terribly delish. Yours look so good.
Kristy
Katie 5/12/12 18:46: Where sweet and savory meet you will find me. And then you went and added Marzipan. I think I just fainted! Sign me up for a big batch of these.
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