Cookies Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (2.25 cups), baking soda (1 tsp), and salt (0.5 tsp) until evenly combined.

3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter (1 cup) with granulated sugar (0.75 cups) and brown sugar (0.75 cups) until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add eggs (2) one at a time, beating well after each addition; mix in vanilla extract (2 tsp).

5. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.

6. Fold in semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups) and chopped walnuts (optional, 1 cup) until evenly distributed in the dough.

7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop) onto the prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers look set.

9. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheets 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.