1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips: Stir in the Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using). The dough should be thick and sticky.

5. Scoop the dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading.

6. Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your warm, gooey, and delicious Hershey chocolate chip cookies!