Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

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

Dissolve the baking soda in hot water, then add it to the batter with salt.

Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until edges are nicely browned.

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