Creating delicious Mini American Cookies is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
7. Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers appear set.
9. Cool on Baking Sheets: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes.
10. Transfer to Rack: Move the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve a batch of Mini American Cookies that are sure to impress!