Best Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) of butter softened

1 cup of packed brown sugar

2/3 cup of granulated sugar

2 large of eggs

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda

2 3/4 cups (12.5 ounces) of all-purpose flour (lightly spooned into level measuring cups)

1 (12 ounce) package of chocolate chips or 8 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate

1 cup of chopped walnuts optional

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat butter and sugars with electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until mixture is very fluffy and turns several shades lighter in color.
3. Beat in eggs, vanilla and baking soda for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl.
4. Mix in flour just until blended. Stir in chocolate and nuts if using.
5. Drop dough by 2 tablespoonful scoops onto baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute on pan then transfer with a spatula to a rack to cool completely.