# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
05 - 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
09 - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
10 - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, blend melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, stirring well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
07 - Spread dough evenly in prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but still soft. Avoid overbaking for gooey texture.
09 - Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars.
