Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing or lining with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.Preheat oven to 375º F.
To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use electric hand mixer and a large mixing bowl), add softened butter and both sugars. Mix at high speed for 1 minute, then stop and scrape down the sides of bowl. Crack one egg into the bowl and mix at medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Stop mixing, scrape down bowl again, then add second egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 30 seconds, or until egg is fully incorporated.
With mixer running on low speed, add baking soda, salt, and flour, one cup at a time. Continue mixing on medium-low speed for 2 minutes. Do not overmix or your cookies will be tough and dry.Add chocolate chips and mix for 15 seconds to incorporate. Alternatively, use a wooden spoon to stir chips in by hand.
Using a medium-sized scoop (3 tablespoons), portion dough onto prepared cookie sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each scoop of dough.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges of cookies look slightly dry and tops are very light golden. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on pan for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer to a cooling rack.
Store cool cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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Notes
To Freeze Cookie Dough
After step 4, place baking sheets in the freezer for 1 hour, to flash freeze the scoops of dough. Once frozen, store frozen cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
To Bake Cookies From Frozen
Place frozen cookie dough on prepared pans; let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake according to recipe instructions shown above.