Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
2 cups milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cream first 4 ingredients in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Beat well. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly. Remove from cookie sheet; cool completely on wire rack.