1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: 

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:  

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:  

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

5. Incorporate Add-Ins:  

Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits if desired.

6. Shape the Cookies:  

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake: 

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.

8. Cool:  

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.