1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Ensuring Even Distribution

1. Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   • Tip: Whisking helps to aerate the dry ingredients and ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Set Aside: Set the bowl of dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Cream Together Butter and Sugars: The Foundation of Tenderness

1. Combine Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Cream: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a tender cookie.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Adding Moisture and Flavor

1. Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Bringing the Dough Together

1. Combine: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Tip: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated and there are no visible streaks remaining.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Adding the Chocolatey Goodness

1. Add Chocolate Chips: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and mini chocolate chips, if using) to the dough.
2. Fold: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Creating the Heart Shapes

1. Scoop Dough: Scoop out portions of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2-3 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
   • Tip: A cookie scoop can help ensure uniform size and shape. The recipe author recommends 2 tablespoon scoops, but you can adjust based on your cookie-cutter size.
2. Optional Topping: If desired, press extra chocolate chips or sprinkles into the tops of each cookie before baking.
3. Bake: Bake for about 9-11 minutes.
   • Check for Doneness: The cookies are done when the edges are very slightly golden brown, but the centers are still a bit underdone. They will continue to bake and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
   • Important Note: The recipe author emphasizes that the cookies should be so soft that you cannot pick them up from the baking sheet when they first come out of the oven. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.
4. Cut into Hearts: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut each cookie into a heart.
   • Tip: Work quickly and carefully, as the cookies will be hot. If they cool too much, they will become more difficult to cut.
5. Cool on Baking Sheet: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for another 5-7 minutes. This allows them to firm up and set.
6. Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.