Step 1

Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Add the flour, salt, and baking soda (and cocoa powder, if making chocolate cookies) to a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.

Step 3

Add the melted butter and both sugars to a separate bowl and beat with an electric mixer until lightened in color and fluffy - about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs and egg yolk(s) to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate each egg. Beat in the vanilla and almond extract (if using).

Step 5

Stir in the dry ingredients, stirring just long enough to blend. Stir in add any other additions.

Step 6

Plop the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet in balls that are about the size of a golf ball (a generous size golf ball), spacing them at least 3 inches apart.

Step 7

Bake for 10-11 minutes, removing them from the oven when they look set but still slightly underdone in the center. Let cool for at least 5-6 minutes before removing them from the cookie sheet to a wire rack to cool completely.