Preheat oven to 325 degrees. If you plan to use parchment paper, line your baking sheets now.
Using a hand-held or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour a little at a time and add the vanilla (if you're using it) until well combined.
Use a small cookie scoop to scoop the dough, then shape it into 1" balls. Dip each ball into a shallow bowl of sugar if you would like a coating.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets and use the bottom of a glass to press the balls down slightly.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until barely golden on the bottom and edges. Cookies should be slightly underbaked at the center if you want them to be chewy.
Let cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
