Makes 48 cookies
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract or 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp. almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 to 2 cups stir-in combos: chocolate chips, toffee chips, white chocolate chips, dried blueberries, etc.
1. Beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
2. Gradually beat in flour and next 2 ingredients. Beat in stir-ins. Scoop batter onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. (If desired, you can freeze the dough balls at this stage.)
3. Bake at 350° for 9 to 10 minutes. (If using frozen dough balls, bake at 350° for 10 minutes.)