In ancient Mayan culture, chilli and chocolate went together like peanut butter and jelly.

Although it was previously thought that chocolate was a delicacy reserved for the Mayan aristocracy, the truth is that chocolate was enjoyed by almost everyone. These early pioneers of the chocolate dessert though that chili peppers were a perfect addition to the creamy cocoa taste.

Science has pondered for quite some time why some people enjoy eating spicy food. It could be all in your head, with some people’s brains releasing endorphins when spicy foods are consumed, causing them not just to be able to tolerate spicy food, but actually desire it. Still, it’s the issue is by no means settled, with data all over the place as to what causes love of spicy, and what exactly spicy food lovers have in common.

What isn’t up for debate is how much spicy food lovers crave it in everything. In the spirit of the origins of chocolate, we’ve put together a list of five spicy chocolate recipes for you to enjoy, courtesy of the Food Monster App!

1. Spicy Chocolate Almond Butter Tahini Cups

This Spicy Chocolate Almond Butter Tahini Cups recipe by Joanne Lee is the healthy-ish answer to your chocolate prayers. These elegant dark chocolate cups are filled with a creamy, rich mixture of tahini, almond butter, and a dash of cayenne to give them little something extra. Plus, they are really simple to make and store well in the freezer.

2. Super Easy Spicy Chocolate Bonbons 

Ready to make some delicious, sweet/spicy raw vegan treats? You don’t need much to make Maria Loghin‘s Super Easy Spicy Chocolate Bonbons raw vegan chocolate, just some cocoa powder and cocoa butter (no milk!). In this recipe I also used peanut butter, ground hazelnuts and a pinch of chili.

3. Spicy Dark Chocolate Brownies 

Jesse Lane Lee‘s Spicy Dark Chocolate Brownies are gluten-free making them perfect for everyone! They are a delicious combo of spicy and sweet.

4. Tofu Veggie Skewers With Spicy Coffee Chocolate Sauce 

For a unique way to eat vegetables and tofu, try out Jenny Mustard‘s Tofu Veggie Skewers With Spicy Coffee Chocolate Sauce! Radicchio, Brussels sprouts, and tofu are grilled to golden perfection and then drizzled with a spicy coffee and dark chocolate sauce. These skewers have beautiful presentation and a truly special combination of savory and sweet.

5. Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Chickpea Crackers

If you’re looking for a sweet snack that’s not too sweet, then Jasmine Briones‘s Sweet and Spicy Chickpea Chocolate Crackers is the recipe for you! These chocolatey crackers are sweet from the maple syrup, but a little spicy from the cinnamon and red pepper. They’re a great gluten-free snack to munch on throughout the day, or whenever you’re looking to satisfy a bunch of different cravings at once.

Need more spicy inspiration? Check out 15 Hot, Spicy Vegan Entrees! We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead Image: Super Easy Spicy Chocolate Bonbons