Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup margarine, softened

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 pkg. (4-serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding and pie filling (1/2 cup + 1 tblsp.)

2 eggs

1/2 - 1 pkg. chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 375F.

Mix flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.  Combine margarine, sugars, vanilla, and pudding mix; beat until smooth and creamy.  Beat in eggs.  Gradually add flour mixture and blend until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoonful about 2" apart onto ungreased baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Variation: for chocolate-chocolate chip cookies, use chocolate flavor pudding mix instead of vanilla flavor.