Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Stir in eggs and vanilla until well incorporated. Add the baking soda, salt, and flour and mix until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop the dough onto a baking sheet in balls about 3 tablespoons in size, leaving at least 3 inches between cookies. Bake until the edges are golden and the middles are just barely set. Remove from the sheet, sprinkle with a bit of sea salt (if using) and cool on a wire rack.