In a medium bowl, mix the butter and sugars together until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix together.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, baking soda and optional spices until well mixed. Add to the bowl of creamed sugars and mix well.
Add the oats and, if using, shredded coconut to the bowl and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and stir in until combined.
Refrigerate or freeze for 1 to 8 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a spoon, or hands, make roundish balls of dough, about the size of a half-dollar, and put them on the baking sheet, spaced about an inch and a half apart.
Bake for eight to 10 minutes.