I. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

II. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

III. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

IV. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

V. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

VI. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips (if using).

VII. Shape the Cookies:

• Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for added color.