Gather ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking soda or baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl
Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl
Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients
Stir in any mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins
Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet
Leave space between each cookie
Bake until the edges are lightly golden
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet briefly
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely