Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and light in texture, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips and, if using, M&M’s and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Serve your festive Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies and enjoy!
