Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk, as preferred)
  • (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips & Nuts: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
  7. Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft—this will give you chewy cookies!
  9. Cool Down: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.