Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly.

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until browned, stirring constantly. This should take about 2 minutes; watch carefully for over-browning. When the butter sediment is light brown, remove it from the heat and strain it into a mixing bowl. Cool completely.

To the cooled butter, add the brown and granulated sugars and beat until smooth and well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well blended.

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans, if using.

Drop onto the prepared baking sheets with a cookie scoop or tablespoon.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until just lightly browned around the edges.

Cool on a rack.

Store the cooled cookies in a tightly covered container.

The recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on size.