Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two medium-large baking sheets with parchment paper, or spray thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2

In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream together the slightly softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until just combined.

Step 4

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just combined. Be very careful not to over-mix.

Step 5

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly incorporated. A rubber spatula is great for this.

Step 6

Use a cookie scoop to form evenly-sized balls of dough, about 1 ½ tablespoons each. Place each dough ball on the baking sheet 2-3 inches apart. The cookies will spread while baking, so be sure they have enough room.

Step 7

Gently press additional chocolate chips into the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. The chips will show through the tops of the cookies and look pretty once baked.

Step 8

Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges barely start to turn lightly golden. Without brown sugar, the cookies will look very pale, but do not over-bake them! For soft and chewy cookies, it is better to slightly under-bake them. They will continue to set up as they cool.

Step 9

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy!