1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and optional add-ins.

2. Shape the Cookies

1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Reroll scraps as needed.
4. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
2. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.