Soft Chewy Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar until it becomes smooth.

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

Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add it to the mix.

Sift the flour and salt together, then stir into the creamed mixture.

Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if desired).

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.

Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until the edges are nicely browned.

Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.