1-First Step: Prepare your baking space Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies do not stick and clean-up stays easy. Set out your softened butter, eggs, and other ingredients before you begin. When everything is ready, the mixing process feels calm and simple.

2-Second Step: Cream the butter and sugars In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 cup packed light brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Creaming adds air to the dough, which helps create a softer cookie.

3-Third Step: Add vanilla and eggs Mix in the 2 teaspoons vanilla and 2 large eggs. Add the eggs one at a time if you want smoother blending. Beat just until combined. At this stage, the dough should look creamy and glossy.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the dry ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps spread the leavening agents and salt evenly through the dough.

5-Fifth Step: Bring the dough together Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in two or three parts, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so gentle mixing is the goal.

6-Sixth Step: Fold in the chocolate chips Stir in the 2 cups chocolate chips until they are evenly scattered throughout the dough. Some bakers like to save a small handful to press on top of the dough balls before baking. That gives the cookies a pretty bakery look and more chocolate on the surface.

7-Seventh Step: Shape and space the dough Scoop the dough into even portions, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread. If you want thicker cookies, make the dough balls slightly taller instead of flatter.

8-Eighth Step: Bake until just golden Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. That soft center is what gives you the gooey, bakery-style texture people love. The cookies will continue to set on the hot pan after you take them out of the oven.

9-Ninth Step: Cool and serve Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This short rest helps them firm up without losing softness. Once they are cool enough to handle, serve them warm with milk, coffee, or tea.