Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

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

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients.

Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly underbaked.

Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.