Extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 1/2  c. butter or margarine, softened

1 1/4 c. granulated sugar

1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla

2 eggs

4 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 bag (24 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (4 cups)

Heat oven to 350.  In large bowl, beat butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs on medium speed or with spoon until light and fluffy.  Stir in flour, baking soda and salt (dough will be stiff).  Stir in chocolate chips.  

On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by tablespoonfuls or ice cream scoop 2 inches apart.  Flatten slightly.  Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft).  Cool 1 to 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.  

Optional:  stir in 2 cups coarsely chopped nuts with the chocolate chips.