Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Together: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and fold gently.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips (and optional nuts or fruits).
Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough onto baking tray, leaving space between cookies.
Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
