Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chocolate chip loaf bakes evenly.
Grease your 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.
Add the buttermilk to the mixture and mix until combined. The buttermilk adds moisture, making your loaf tender.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip loaf with a cup of coffee or tea!