Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don't stick.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set this mixture aside for later.

3. Brown Butter

In a 10-inch skillet, melt 10 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter turns a dark golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, which should take about 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer the browned butter to a large heatproof bowl and stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until completely melted.

4. Combine Sugars with Butter

Add both the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar to the bowl with the butter, along with the salt and vanilla extract. Whisk in the egg and egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Let this mixture stand for 3 minutes, then whisk again for 30 seconds. Repeat this process two more times.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, making sure not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Portion Dough

Divide the dough into 16 equal portions, using a #24 cookie scoop if you have one, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should have 8 cookies per sheet.

7. Bake Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through the baking time, until the edges are set and the cookies are golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.