Halloween Monster Cookies

How fun are these?! I love a festive spin on desserts, and as soon as I saw these Halloween Monster Cookies on pinterest, I knew Jack and I would be baking them. With black cocoa, creamy white chocolate chips, candy eyeballs, and the m&m ghoul's mix - these are equal parts spooky and delicious!

ingredients

1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups flour (I use gluten free)
1 cup black cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup halloween m&ms, plus more for garnish
edible candy eyeballs, for garnish

directions

{1}
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

{2}
In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter and both sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and eggs on at a time. 

{3}
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the stand mixer. Stop halfway to scrape down the side of the bowl and ensure all ingredients are well combined. Beat until a sticky dough forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips and m&ms with a rubber spatula. 

{4}
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, place dough balls at least 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Add 2 eyeballs to each dough ball, pressing in gently. Repeat with extra m&ms to ensure all colorful elements are represented before baking. 

{5}
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until puffy but still soft - careful not to overbake! Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container, or pop some in a gallon freezer bag for maximum freshness! Enjoy :)