Baking Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to create your very own batch of delightful treats:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, blending well after each addition.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently incorporate the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These straightforward instructions will guide you in creating perfectly chewy and chocolatey cookies that your friends and family will adore!