Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Gently fold in the chocolate chunks (and nuts if using).

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.