Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have used the same chocolate chip cookie recipe for years. Since we moved to Houston, the cookies haven't turned out the same. That left me looking for another recipe. I totally scored with this one I found and have made probably 3 times in about 2 weeks (I did share them the first 2 times I made them). Unfortunately they are SO good that they don't last long. I found this recipe (among many more that I can't wait to try) from "Lick The Bowl Good". Go check her site out and get to cooking/baking.

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the 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 ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.