Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make dough: Cream butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips (and pecans, if using).
Bake: Drop rounded spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft. Cool on a wire rack.
Serve: Plate six warm cookies with four generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with optional peanut butter glaze for a Presley-inspired twist.