Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and well-blended. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just mixed.

Add the chocolate chips and nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) by hand until evenly distributed.

Scoop the dough: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your cookies: Serve your chocolate chip cookies warm for a gooey chocolate experience or store in an airtight container to enjoy later.

Baking Tips:

Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams nicely with the sugars.

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies.

For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or replace 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.