Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Mix the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer).
• Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
• Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough starts to come together. If using an egg, add it now and continue to mix until fully incorporated.

Shape the Cookies:

• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
• Gently press down on each dough ball with a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly. You can also sprinkle them with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
• Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking; they can turn crisp quickly.

Cool and Serve:

• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.