Base Recipe:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to incorporate. Add the baking soda, salt, and flour and mix until everything comes together.
3. Scoop a rounded tablespoon of dough onto a parchment or baking mat lined sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip and M&M's: Add 1 cup holiday colored M&M's and 1 cup chocolate chips before baking.
2. Orange Cranberry: Add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract when you add the vanilla. Add 1 1/2 cups craisins (sweetened dried cranberries) to the dough and stir well to combine. Bake as directed. When the cookies cool, top with simple glaze (1 cup powdered sugar and 1-3 tablespoons milk or cream) and candied orange zest.
3. Chocolate Mint: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder (when you add the flour) and stir in 1 1/2 cups Andes mints bits. After baking drizzle with melted Andes mints.
4. Double Chocolate Macadamia: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder (when you add the flour) and stir in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts.