Creating these delicious M&M Cookies is simple when you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed in the dough.
7. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Add Extra M&M’s: Press a few extra M&M’s into the tops of each cookie for added color and decoration.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

By following these steps, you’ll create M&M Cookies that are sure to impress!