Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating them fully after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.

Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.