Classic Cookie Bars

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper and aluminum foil with an overhang on two sides.

Step 3 -In a small bowl, stir the flour, the baking soda, and the salt together.

Step 4 -In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, the sugar, the brown sugar, and the vanilla together until creamy.

Step 5 -Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, mixing well between each addition.

Step 6 -Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined. The dough should be very thick.

Step 7 -Add the chocolate chips and the nuts, optionally reserving about 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips for the top, and mix on low speed until combined in the dough.

Step 8 -Press or spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 9 -Press the reserved chocolate chips onto the top of the dough.

Step 10 -Bake until the top is golden-brown and the edges are set, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 11 -Allow the cookies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes, and optimally until completely cool.

Step 12 -Slice and serve.