Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodles

     Bet you thought that snickerdoodles couldn't be improved upon.....that's true, unless you add some chocolate.  What ISN'T better with chocolate?!  While they're baking, the aromas of chocolate mixed with warming spices will remind you of a cup of hot chai~
     I always give credit where credit is due....I stumbled across these in a Taste of Home magazine I checked out of the library.  I have two sons who LOVE chai tea, so I'm thinking these cookies would be something new I could try during the holidays. 

Chocolate Chai Snickerdoodles

2 1/4 C sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cardamon
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. white pepper
1 C butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 C all-purpose flour
1/2 C baking cocoa
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.  Remove 1/2 cup sugar mixture to a shallow dish. 

Add butter to remaining sugar mixture; beat until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, cream of tartar, baking powder and salt; slowly beat into creamed mixture.

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls.  Roll in reserved sugar mixture; place 2-inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Flatten slightly with bottom of a glass.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies