2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 (3 1/2 oz.) pkg. vanilla flavor instant pudding
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped walnuts (opt.)

Combine flour and baking soda; set aside. Combine butter, sugars, vanilla and pudding mix in large mixing bowl; beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs; gradually add flour mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (batter will be stiff). Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to 9 1/2 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 4 1/2 dozen 2 1/2" cookies.

This same basic recipe can be used for different flavored cookies. For example, try butterscotch chips and butterscotch mix or chocolate pudding and peanut butter chips. These cookies come close to the taste and texture of commercial cookies, but are better because they are fresh.