Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare baking sheet: Line with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  7. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts: Use a spatula to gently incorporate the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
  8. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
  10. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.