Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

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 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups 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 granulated sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract. Blend in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.