Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda (½ teaspoon); set aside.

3In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4Add the salt (1 teaspoon), vanilla extract, and eggs (2 large) to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.

5Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

6Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.

7Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

9Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.