Gather your ingredients, making sure your butter is softened, and your eggs are room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water; add to batter along with salt and mix until combined. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and walnuts until a soft dough forms. Drop rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until edges are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately and enjoy!