preheat oven to 350* combine flour, baking powder & salt in large bowl; set aside. in another large bowl combine butter, sugar & brown sugar. beat on high until light & fluffy. beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla

gradually add flour mixture, beating well after each addition. fold in chocolate chips, (& if desired) nuts & coconut

drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. flatten each one slightly with back of a fork. bake until golden, about 15 minutes. cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely