Ingredients

1 1/2 c. (180 g.) all-purpose flour

1/4 c. (20 g.) black cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 c. (150 g.) granulated sugar

1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 c. (105 g.) packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Sanding sugar, for rolling

48 sliced raw almonds

1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

48 mini green M&M’s

24 mini brown M&M’s

Preparation

Step 1In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar, butter, and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and beat until incorporated, then beat in vanilla. Add dry ingredients and beat until just combined. Cover bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days. Step 2Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Using a medium (1 1/2-tablespoon) cookie scoop, scoop 24 portions; reserve remaining dough. Roll portions into 1" balls, then roll in sanding sugar until coated. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2" apart. Flatten each ball to a 2" circle. Step 3Scoop 1/4-teaspoon balls of reserved dough and roll into 1/2" balls, then roll in sanding sugar until coated. Arrange 2 smaller balls on outer edge of top of flattened circles for ears. Slightly pinch tops to form triangle shapes. Step 4Place 2 sliced almonds on flattened circles for eyes, with the skinnier point facing toward the center. Step 5Bake cookies until edges are set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Step 6In a small heatproof bowl, microwave chocolate in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Transfer chocolate to a small piping bag fitted with an extra-small round tip or zip-top bag with the corner cut off for a small opening. Pipe a dot of chocolate in the center of each almond. Place a green M&M on dot. Pipe another dot under the eyes and add a brown M&M for a nose. Pipe 2 whiskers on each side. Let chocolate set before serving. Step 7Make Ahead: Cookies can be made 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Have you made these? Let us know how it went in the comments below!