Ghirardelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

from the back of the chocolate chip package...

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixer bowl, beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.