Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy using a rubber spatula or whisk.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven, and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.