Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the dough into each muffin cup, pressing the dough slightly up the sides to form a cup shape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and immediately press the centers down with a spoon to reinforce the cup shape.
Allow the cups to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fill or decorate the cookie dough cups as desired before serving.