# Chocolate chip cookies ## Equipment - Stand mixer with paddle attachment - Medium mixing bowl - Baking sheets ## Ingredients - 1 cup butter, softened - 1 cup white sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 eggs - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 1 tsp baking soda - 2 tsp hot tap water - 1/2 tsp salt - 3 cups all purpose flour - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional ## Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. 3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla. 4. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. 5. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. 6. Drop spoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. 7. Bake in the preheated oven until edges are nicely browned, about 10 minutes. 8. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.