1-Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2-Cream butter and sugars: In a bowl, cream the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they mix well, which takes about 1-2 minutes. This step helps build that classic cookie texture.

3-Add egg yolk and vanilla: Next, beat in the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.

4-Mix dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips: Now, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to keep the dough tender.

5-Chill the dough: For the best results, chill the dough in the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.

6-Scoop and bake: Once chilled, scoop the dough using a 1.5 tablespoon measure onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the tops are set.

7-Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This simple process ensures soft, irresistible treats every time.