Steps

• First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the cookie-making adventure. Having everything prepared and measured out in advance ensures a smooth baking process. Begin by softening your butter to room temperature and measuring out your sugars, flour, and other ingredients.
• Next, take your softened butter and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add both the white and brown sugars to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Once your butter and sugar mixture is adequately creamed, it's time to add the eggs. Crack one egg at a time into the mixing bowl, beating well after each addition. Follow up by adding the vanilla extract and mixing until just combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in your semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if you're using them. Ensure that the extras are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
• Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.