0.75cupsunsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1cuppacked brown sugar
0.5cupsgranulated sugar
1tablespoonpure vanilla extract
2largeeggs, at room temperature
2cupssemisweet chocolate chips
1cupchopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, incorporate the pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next, to create a creamy batter.
Gradually introduce the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, stir gently just until the flour is incorporated—be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if you're using them, until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop generous portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the edges turn a lovely golden brown but the centers remain soft and chewy. Once done, remove them from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve warm with cold milk or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.