Chocolate Chai Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
2. Whisk flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until evenly combined; set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, and black pepper. Reserve ¼ cup for rolling the cookies in.
4. Cream the butter with the remaining sugar and spice mixture until light and fluffy.
5. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well incorporated.
6. Blend the flour mixture into the creamed mixture in 3 additions, stirring until just combined.
7. Use a small scoop to portion dough, rolling between your palms to form smooth balls. Roll the dough balls in the reserved sugar and spice mixture to coat.
8. Place coated dough balls on to the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake at 350ºF for 8 minutes, or until cookies appear set on the edges, but still a little soft in the middle.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to completely cool.

Adapted from My Baking Addiction.