1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Activate Baking Soda
Dissolve baking soda in hot water, then add to the mixture along with salt.
5. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
7. Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each.
8. Bake
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges are golden. For softer cookies, remove slightly earlier.
9. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool briefly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
