Chocolate Chip Cookies

A starter recipe for everyone's favorite cookie.

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Makes 24 to 36 cookies

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cup sifted all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups dark or white chocolate chips
3/4 cup walnuts, pecans or
      macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

1  Preheat oven to 350F.

2  Line some cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

3  In a bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light. Add vanilla extract, then eggs.

4  Meanwhile, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the creamed butter mixture.

5  Lastly, add chocolate chips and nuts. (Mix chips if you like! Try semi-sweet and dark chocolate or semi-sweet and mini Kisses.)

6  Scoop into mounds using a spoon or an ice cream scooper and place on cookie sheet, at least 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes then remove. Place on racks and cook completely. Store in airtight containers.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno