Steampunky Elf's Gooey Chocolate Cookies

To prepare these cookies you will need the following ingredients:

• 1¼ cups of butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 Dove squares (I used milk chocolate)
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• a pinch of cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• ¾ cups of unsweetened cocoa baking powder
• 12.6oz bag of Peppermint M&M's

Instructions:

Pre-heat the oven to 350ºF

1. Using an electric mixing bowl and using the slotted mixing arm, cream together the butter and sugar at a low speed until thoroughly mixed.
2.  In a separate microwavable bowl, place the Dove chocolate squares, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into the microwave and heat for 30 seconds, or until melted.
3.  Mix together and pour into the creamed butter/sugar.
4.  Mix at a low speed until blended.  
5. Add in 1 egg at a time, mixing slowly until all ingredients are blended.
6.  In a separate bowl, place flour and unsweetened cocoa powder together and mix until they are blended.
7. Then add to the electric mixing bowl and cover the top so that the flour mixture does not make a mess...then turn on to a low setting and mix, then place on a medium power until dough is thoroughly formed.  
8. Stop blending and add in the Peppermint M&M's and hand blend.  Using your hands, form dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball) and place on cookie sheets 2 inches apart.  
9. Place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 11 to 13 min.  
10. Remove from oven and allow the cookie to cool off before removing and storing them.

I would like to note that these cookies come out flat but very soft in the center.  I like when cookies end up like this, and I owe it to not using any baking soda or baking powder.  If you prefer a stiff or hard cookie, add in 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the flour/cocoa mix before adding it into the electric mixing bowl. Additionally, if you prefer a deeper and more rich taste, use a darker chocolate to melt into the vanilla extract.  And this recipe can be made entirely by hand, but I prefer to use an electric mixer.