First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly right from the start.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a bowl, whisk the egg, add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and both sugars. You want to combine these until they’re smooth and well integrated.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting will help aerate the flour, making your cookies lighter.
Gradually add the dry mix into the bowl with wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix, or you'll have tougher cookies.
If you're using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the dough now. This step adds texture, making your cookies a bit more exciting.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each mound for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely for later.