Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure an even distribution.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy, light, and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. It should look pale and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue to mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will start to come together and feel slightly sticky.
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly with a spatula, distributing them throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but still soft.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, revealing a chewy, golden-brown exterior with melty chocolate inside.
Once cooled, enjoy your homemade chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!