Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe was in the Sunday coupons a few months ago - I clipped it, and now I'm decluttering. I haven't made them yet, but we love vanilla and I think they would be really good. I'll update when I try the recipe. They are from McCormick Spices

Makes 5 dozen or 30 (2 cookie) servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch

3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.

2. Drop by rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. *I usually bake mine for less time than cookie recipes recommend.*

Variations: For the variations below add 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon with the flour. Use the following add-ins in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts.

Cranberry, Macadamia & White Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup each dried cranberries, chopped toasted macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips.

Coconut, Almond & Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup each flaked coconut, toasted slivered almonds and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Coconut, Raisin & Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup each flaked coconut, raisins and coarsely chopped toasted pecans.