1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and well blended, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) by hand until evenly distributed.
2. Shape and Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Serve and Store:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time: For softer cookies, bake for the shorter end of the time range. For crispier cookies, bake a bit longer.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies with different types of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate) or add-ins like dried fruit or toffee bits.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies—a timeless treat that everyone loves!