Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups gourmet chocolate chips (dark, milk, or a mix)

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the gourmet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the cookie dough.

7. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet).

9. If desired, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of the bars while they are still warm.

10. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.

11. Cut into squares or bars of your preferred size.