Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups plus 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, optional
1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

Heat oven to 375º. Beat butter, vanilla, sugars, and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda. A stiff dough will form. Stir in chocolate chips, and if using nuts add also. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 1 to 2 minutes then finish cooling on wire rack.