Step 1

I like to use my stand mixer for this recipe as the dough gets very thick.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars.

Step 3

Mix in the eggs and vanilla.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder, if using. Mix together well.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.

Step 6

add the dark chocolate chips and mix them in.

Step 7

Add the M&M's® and mix them in gently so they don't break. If a few break that's fine.

Step 8

Line 2 cookie baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9

Use a 2 Tbsp ice cream scoop to scoop the dough onto the cookie sheets. Don't press them down, just leave them like that. Make 3 rows of You should get 24 cookies.

Step 10

If you need to, gently press extra M&M's onto the cookies before baking so that bright orange candy shows!

Step 11

Bake in a 350° (F) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are done/firm around the edges when pressed. They will still be soft in the middle and just a little puffed up.

Step 12

Remove from oven and cool cookies in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.