Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
4 1/2 C flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 C semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 C sugar
2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding (or butterscotch)
4 eggs
2 C chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Sift together flour and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 min. Edges should be golden.