Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat at low speed.

Stir flour, soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Add 2 cups of the chocolate chips and pecans if desired.

Use a cookie scoop to portion cookie dough into tablespoon-sized dough balls.

Freeze the balls for 15 minutes. (Or chill dough balls for 1 hour in the refrigerator.)

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line large baking sheets with silicone liners or spray with cooking spray.

Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and barely set in the middle. Press a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie.

Let cookies cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.