4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 oz. ea.) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift together flour and baking soda, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar and white sugar. Beat in instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.

Submitted by: Jenny