additional stir-ins such as chopped walnuts, toffee bits, etc (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and any other extras.
Refrigerate dough for 20-30 minutes or until mostly firm.
Use an ice cream scoop to drop even scoopfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Gently press down each cookie with the back of a spoon.
Bake for about 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are browned. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.