Spooky Halloween M&M Cookies

Directions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cover a 9x13-inch baking dish with a silicone mat or parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup dark cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and ¼ tsp salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter (2 sticks) with 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 drops black gel food coloring (if using) until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding with a rubber spatula. Stir in ¼ cup whole milk (or almond milk) until a dough forms. If the dough seems too thin, add more flour a little at a time. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and freeze for 5-10 minutes. After that, use a cookie scoop to form balls, then flatten them slightly with a spoon or spatula.
4. Press a few green and purple M&M candies onto the top of each dough ball. Bake for 11-12 minutes.
5. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press additional M&M candies onto the tops. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk.