Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, beating well after each addition.

Gradually blend in flour mixture on low speed. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) by hand.

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Bake 9-11 minutes until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.