Preheat oven to 375° F
In an electric mixer, combine 1 cup butter (or Crisco) and brown sugar. Beat at medium speed until well blended.
Add 2 eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
Stir 2 ¾ cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking soda into batter.
Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips (and pecan pieces, if using)
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet (3" apart). Bake at 375° F for 8-10 minutes.
After removing from oven, allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes (don't skip this part- it is key to making good cookies :-) )
Remove to wire rack to finish cooling.
Sitr in an airtight container. Makes about 36 cookies.
