Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Form Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in size) and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Optionally, sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
