# 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, mix melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just blended, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Gently fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
07 - Spread dough evenly into prepared pan and smooth surface with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until edges are golden and center is just set; avoid overbaking for gooey texture.
09 - Cool completely in pan on wire rack, then lift bars out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 pieces.
