Quadruple Chocolate Pudding Cookies

3/4 c unsalted butter, softened

3/4 c light brown sugar, packed

1/4 c sugar

2 large eggs

2 t vanilla

1 pkg instant chocolate pudding mix

1/2 c cocoa powder

2 c flour, lightly measured

1 t baking soda

pinch salt

1 t espresso powder (optional)

1 c semi sweet chocolate chips

1 c mini M&Ms, divided

Cream butter and sugars, then add in eggs and vanilla, and beat on medium high speed until creamed well. Add the pudding mix and cocoa, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and beat on low another minute. Add the chocolate chips and 1/2 c of M&MS, beat on low for 30 seconds. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F. Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheet, 2 inches apart and  press 3-4 M&Ms on top of each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges have set and tops are just set, even if slightly under-cooked and glossy in the center. Don't overbake which is easy to do with dark cookies.  Cookies firm up as they cool.  Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving.