1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookie bakes evenly from the moment it enters the oven. Gather all your ingredients and let the butter and eggs come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly, creating a better texture in the final product. Prepare your baking pan by greasing a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet or round pizza pan with butter or cooking spray. If you don’t have either, a standard cake pan will work too. Lining the bottom with parchment paper can help with easy removal later, though it’s not strictly necessary if your pan is well-greased.

2-Second Step: Creaming Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process, called creaming, incorporates air into the dough which helps the cookie rise and creates a tender texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should appear pale in color and have a creamy consistency. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy cookies texture that everyone loves.

3-Third Step: Adding Eggs and Vanilla Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps emulsify the ingredients and creates a more stable dough. After adding both eggs, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, which is completely normal. Don’t worry as this will come together once the dry ingredients are added. Continue mixing just until the eggs are fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix at this stage.

4-Fourth Step: Combining Dry Ingredients In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookie rise uniformly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cookie rather than a tender one.

5-Fifth Step: Adding Chocolate Chips Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. This gentle folding technique helps distribute the chips evenly without overworking the dough. If you’re adding any mix-ins like nuts, this is the time to include them as well.

6-Final Step: Baking and Serving Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it evenly into the surface, maintaining a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. The dough should spread to fill the pan completely with slightly raised edges. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips into the top for visual appeal. Bake for 22-28 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. The cookie is done when the edges are golden brown and set, while the center still appears slightly soft and may jiggle a bit. This residual heat will continue cooking the center slightly as it cools. Remove from the oven and let the cookie cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it allows the cookie to set and makes slicing easier. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes while still warm if using that optional finishing touch. To serve, slice into wedges like a pizza or pie. This typically yields 8-12 generous servings. For an extra special treat, serve warm with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.