Soft, chewy chocolate chip pudding cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Made with instant vanilla pudding mix, these cookies stay irresistibly soft and gooey even after baking. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dessert to share at a gathering or a cozy snack to enjoy with a glass of milk, this Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies recipe has you covered. With their rich flavor and chewy texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible softness: The addition of pudding makes these cookies soft and tender, ensuring they stay fresh longer.
- Quick to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
- Versatile use: Enjoy them on their own, sandwich them with ice cream, or serve them at parties—they’re perfect for any occasion!
- Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies! They are easy to make together as a fun activity.
- Deliciously chocolatey: With semi-sweet chocolate chips, each bite is filled with rich chocolate flavor that satisfies cravings.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Using different sizes helps keep your ingredients organized while preparing the dough.
- Cookie scoop: This tool allows for even-sized cookie portions, which leads to uniform baking.
Ingredients
To create these amazing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, gather 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 for later use.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy. This should take about 3 minutes.
2. Do not skip this step; it helps create that wonderful texture!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs into the creamed mixture:
1. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients:
1. Start mixing on low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere.
2. Once combined, increase to high speed until fully mixed.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips gently using a rubber spatula.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup to drop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet:
1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
2. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
These delightful chocolate chip pudding cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them classic or with a twist, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
Freshly Baked with Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This combination is sure to impress!
Warm and Gooey
- Serve the cookies warm right out of the oven. The gooey chocolate chips melt in your mouth, providing a comforting dessert experience.
With a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an upgraded flavor profile. The salt enhances the sweetness and chocolate richness.
As Party Favors
- Package a few cookies in decorative boxes as party favors. They’re perfect for birthdays or gatherings, bringing joy to everyone who receives them.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
To achieve the best results when making chocolate chip pudding cookies, follow these handy tips that ensure they turn out soft and chewy every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing, which leads to a lighter cookie texture.
- Don’t Skip Creaming: Creaming the butter and sugars together thoroughly helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in fluffier cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by packing too much flour.
- Chill Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; removing them just as they start to turn golden helps retain softness.
- Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip pudding cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement their flavor beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert.
- Chocolate Milkshake – Blend up a thick chocolate milkshake for an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with each bite.
- Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee or espresso creates a delightful contrast with sweet cookies, enhancing overall flavor.
- Whipped Cream – Top your cookie with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and texture.
- Nutty Granola – Serve with crunchy granola on the side for added texture, creating an interesting contrast against the soft cookie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking chocolate chip pudding cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
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Skipping the creaming step: Failing to cream the butter and sugars well can lead to dense cookies. Beat them for at least 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Not measuring flour correctly: Over-measuring flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
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Using cold eggs: Cold eggs may not mix well with other ingredients. Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter.
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Overbaking the cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can make them hard. Remove them when they’re slightly golden and just set on top.
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Ignoring dough chilling time: Chilling cookie dough enhances flavor and texture. If possible, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chocolate chip pudding cookies in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat with a lid for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about chocolate chip pudding cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use different flavors of pudding?
Yes! You can experiment with different instant pudding flavors like chocolate or butterscotch to create unique variations of chocolate chip pudding cookies.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier chocolate chip pudding cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly underbaked!
Can I substitute vegan butter?
Absolutely! Vegan butter works perfectly in this recipe without compromising taste or texture, making your chocolate chip pudding cookies dairy-free.
How do I store leftover cookie dough?
Wrap unused dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
Chocolate chip pudding cookies offer a delightful blend of softness and chewiness that everyone loves. With their versatility, you can customize these treats by adding nuts or swapping out chocolate types. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!