Preheat Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter & Sugars – In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients – Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Dough – Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips (if using).
Scoop Dough – Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake – Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Cool – Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
