M&M Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the flour streaks just disappear and a soft dough forms.
Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the M&M's candies and all of the chocolate chips using a spatula, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup of M&M's for later.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the reserved M&M's candies onto the tops of the dough balls for a colorful presentation.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which will allow them to finish setting.