Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt and stir into the butter mixture, just until combined. Do not overmix. Add the chips and nuts if using.

Drop enough dough to equal 1/4 cup onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between each. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.

Repeat with remaining dough. Makes about 18 large cookies.