Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Instructions

1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy with an electric mixer .
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and continue to beat for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until light in color and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla and continue to beat until well blended.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Blend well with a spoon or whisk.
6. Add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir just until thoroughly blended.
7. With a spoon or spatula, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
8. If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for anywhere from an hour to overnight.
9. Drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet from a tablespoon or small cookie scoop leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until set and just lightly browned on the bottoms.
11. Let cool for a minute on the baking sheet and then transfer to a cooling rack .