Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking soda2 cups butter, softened1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar1/2 cup white sugar2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix4 eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extract4 cups semisweet chocolate chips2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)