Heat oven to 375° F.

In a large mixing bowl, or stand mixer bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, pudding mix (dry), baking soda, and salt.

Add dry mixture to the creamed mixture 1 cup at a time and stir in. Or have the mixer on a low speed.

After all of the dry mixture is incorporated into the creamed mixture, add the chocolate chips and nuts, if using. Stir just long enough to distribute them throughout the dough.

Drop or scoop 2 Tablespoons of dough per cookie onto an ungreased, parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden around the bottom edges, and just turning golden on top.

Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Store in an air-tight container.