Step 1 Heat the oven to 325 degrees.
Step 2 In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4Add the eggs, beating them in one at a time, until completely incorporated, then beat in the vanilla.
Step 5Add the flour mixture, then the salt, and mix until completely combined to form the dough. Fold in the chocolate pieces by hand.
Step 6Scoop a generous one-third cup of the mixture for each cookie, spacing them wide apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Be sure to leave enough space as the cookies will spread, placing no more than 3 cookies on each sheet.
Step 7Bake the cookies until set and lightly browned on the edges, 16 to 20 minutes. Remove and place the baking sheet on a rack until the cookies are cooled. Repeat until all the cookies are baked.