Allrecipes' Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two ungreased baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the vanilla extract.

Dissolve the baking soda completely in 2 teaspoons of hot water; add to the batter along with the salt and mix well.

Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour on low speed just until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are golden brown while centers remain tender.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.