Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sift together flour, baking soda, black pepper, salt, and cocoa in a large bowl. Set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until coarse and sand-like in texture.

Add sour cream and vanilla to the sugar mixture and stir well.

Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are at least 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops crack slightly. Let the cookies cool to room temperature.

Serve these delicious cookies with a glass of red wine for a sophisticated pairing.