These are my signature chocolate chip cookies — rich, soft and always in high demand at any gathering!

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 (3.4-ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, sift together flour and baking soda; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the pudding mix until well combined, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until fully incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and, if using, chopped walnuts. Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. For even baking, rotate the cookie sheets halfway through. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.