Soft, chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies stand out because they incorporate instant pudding mix, which keeps them soft and moist. Whether you’re dunking them in milk, using them as ice cream sandwiches, or enjoying them warm right out of the oven, these cookies are sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Perfectly Soft: The addition of pudding mix ensures each cookie is soft and chewy every time.
- Versatile Use: Great for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night at home.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and indulging in these delicious treats.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family; they’ll be asking for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Cookie scoop or measuring cup
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and ensure that your butter and sugars are mixed properly for a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls helps keep your dry and wet ingredients organized until it’s time to combine them.
Ingredients
To make delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (vegan butter works too)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on high speed for at least 3 minutes until light and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Slowly add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid messes. Once combined, increase speed to high until fully incorporated. Repeat this step with the remaining dry ingredients. Finally, gently stir in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have a delightful batch of Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you prefer them fresh from the oven or creatively served, these cookies are sure to please any crowd.
Pair with a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination, cold milk perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor and soft texture of the cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- For a fun twist, use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream. This makes for a delicious dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.
Warm Cookie Sundae
- Top a warm cookie with scoops of ice cream, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and finish with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Cookie Crumble Topping
- Crumble the cookies over yogurt or pudding for added texture and sweetness. This can elevate a simple dessert into something special.
Gift Packaging
- Package several cookies in a decorative box or bag as homemade gifts for friends and family. They make for thoughtful presents during holidays or special occasions.
Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert platter featuring your cookies alongside other treats like brownies or fruit tarts. This allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
To ensure your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a creamy texture and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Don’t Skip the Creaming Step: Creaming the butter and sugars for at least three minutes is essential. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making cookies light and fluffy.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Chill the Dough (optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft for days.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies can be paired with various side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some suggestions that will enhance your dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Lighten up your meal with a refreshing medley of seasonal fruits that provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances out the rich chocolate chips perfectly, creating a delightful dessert pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Serve alongside sweetened whipped cream for an extra layer of fluffiness that pairs well with warm cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add decadence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your pudding cookies right before serving.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee or espresso balances the sweetness beautifully, making this combo perfect for afternoon snacks.
- Hot Cocoa: On chilly days, serve these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa for an ultimate cozy treat.
- Nutty Granola Mix: A crunchy granola mix adds texture and makes an excellent side option, especially if you’re serving these cookies as part of brunch.
- Caramel Sauce: For those who love extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of your cookie creations before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
- Skipping the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugars well is crucial for light and airy cookies. Don’t rush this step; mix until it’s fluffy.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause cookies to spread too much or not bake properly. Always preheat your oven for accurate baking.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly. Don’t skip this step, as it affects texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for 10-15 seconds, watching closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies different?
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are unique because they include pudding mix, which keeps them soft and chewy even after baking.
Can I use other flavors of pudding?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors like chocolate or butterscotch to create variations of these delicious cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Your cookies are done when they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue cooking as they cool.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage before baking.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing their delicious texture.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try making them today!
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Indulge in the delightful softness of Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, where every bite melts in your mouth. These irresistible treats are crafted with instant pudding mix, which keeps them moist and chewy, ensuring they remain fresh longer than traditional cookies. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or turn them into delicious ice cream sandwiches for an extra treat. Whipping up a batch is quick and easy, requiring just common ingredients found in your pantry. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable cookies that will have everyone asking for the secret recipe!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars on high speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs; beat until fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients on low speed until combined; fold in chocolate chips.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
