
Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.
Stir cookie mix in large bowl until no lumps remain. Add butter and egg; stir until soft dough forms. Divide dough in half and place in separate bowls. Add flour to one half, mixing thoroughly. Add cocoa and almonds, if desired to other half and mix thoroughly.
Roll together a pinch of vanilla dough and a pinch of chocolate dough to make 48 (about 1-inch) balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until set. (Do NOT over bake). Immediately press chocolate pieces into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.