Instructions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the confectioners sugar in a brown paper bag.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, black pepper, white pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda.

Place butter, brown sugar, and molasses in bowl of mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. On low speed, add flour mixture; beat until just combined.

Pinch off 1 tablespoon dough; roll into 1 1/2-inch ball. Arrange balls 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake until golden and firm to the touch, 13 to 15 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.

Transfer baking sheets to cooling rack to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. In batches, place cookies in paper bag with confectioners sugar; shake until well coated. Cool completely on wire rack. Store in tightly sealed container.

Comments: The powdered-sugar coating cuts the peppers bite. For a subtler flavor, reduce the amount of pepper.

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