Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is our staple CCC recipe. The vanilla pudding in the batter makes them soft and chewy on the inside and crispy on edges. Perfect!

1 1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 small pkg. vanilla instant pudding
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 cups chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (optional) OR 1 1/2 cups mini or regular sized M&M's

Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs, mix well. Add dry pudding and mix well. Add dry ingredients and beat until combined (batter will be stiff). Stir in chocolate and nuts. Scoop onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes (cook them less if you like them super soft and longer if you like them a little crispier on the outside).