📖 Instructions

1. First, let's prep! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven at the correct temp from the get-go is key for even baking.
2. Grab a large mixing bowl (or use a stand mixer if you have one – makes life so much easier, doesn't it?). Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Don't rush this step; it's important! Maybe takes 2-3 minutes.
3. Now, add 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar to the mixture. Mix until well combined. The brown sugar adds moisture and that wonderful chewy texture we all love.
4. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts to happen, alright?!
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies will be tough. We want soft and chewy, not hockey pucks!
7. Stir in 2 cups of chocolate chips. Use your favorite kind – milk, dark, semi-sweet...the world is your oyster! Okay, maybe not an oyster, but definitely your cookie!
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie – they'll spread as they bake.
9. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. They'll continue to set as they cool.
10. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist eating them right away, that is!).
11. Enjoy your scrumptious, homemade chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just straight up! What are you waiting for?