The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups coarsely chopped nuts, if desired
1 (24 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (4 cups)
Heat oven to 375. Beat butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon.
Stir in flour, baking soda and salt (dough will be stiff).
Stir in nuts and chocolate chips.
Drop dough by level 1/4 cupfuls or #16 cookie/ice-cream scoop about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with fork. Bake
13 to 15 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool 1 to 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.