# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
09 - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
06 - Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
07 - Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn golden while centers remain soft.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
