Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla:
Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Fold in chocolate chips:
If desired, gently fold in the chocolate chips (or any other mix-ins you like).

Scoop and bake:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden, but the center is still soft.

Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.