In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together shortening, butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture; mix to combine. Stir in the chocolate chips. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375° F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons two-inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 9-10 minutes, or just until light brown around the edges. The centers will still be soft.
Cool on the baking sheets for about 3-5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last on the counter for about 3 days. To extend the life of your cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months.Make AheadYou can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in your refrigerator until ready to bake.How to Freeze the DoughThis dough freezes best if you portion it into dough balls before freezing. Arrange the dough balls on baking sheets, freeze, and then wrap tightly in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. The dough will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just pull a couple of frozen dough balls from the oven and bake in a 375° F oven. You’ll need to add about 1-2 more minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with frozen dough.