Step 1: Preheat the oven

• • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 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 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

• • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients

• • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

• • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in chocolate chips

• • Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

Step 7: Scoop the dough

• • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

• • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked—this ensures a soft and chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and serve

• • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.