Soft, chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies are not only perfect for dunking in cold milk but also make for an excellent dessert at any gathering. The secret ingredient, pudding mix, keeps them irresistibly soft and adds a rich flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their gooey chocolate chips and tender texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft: The addition of pudding ensures these cookies remain soft and chewy for days.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even ice cream sandwich filling—this recipe fits various occasions.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the classic chocolate chip flavor combined with a unique twist.
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in just over 30 minutes, these cookies are great for last-minute cravings!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or measuring cup
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer: Provides consistent mixing power, ensuring your cookie dough is well combined without any lumps.
- Rubber Spatula: Ideal for gently folding in chocolate chips without overmixing the dough.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy surface that allows even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
For these delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the 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 the 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 using a hand mixer or a 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’s crucial for fluffy cookies!
Step 4: Add Pudding Mix and Eggs
Now add the dry pudding mix along with the eggs and vanilla extract:
1. Beat on high speed for another 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate half of your dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Start on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere.
2. Once mixed well, increase to high speed until combined.
3. Add the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Using a large cookie scoop or a measuring cup:
1. Drop cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden on top.
3. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies! They make an excellent treat any time of year!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Chocolate chip pudding cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated with a few creative serving suggestions. Whether you want to impress guests or just enjoy a cozy night in, these ideas will enhance your cookie experience.
With a Cold Glass of Milk
- Pairing these cookies with cold milk is classic. The creamy texture and sweetness of the milk beautifully complement the rich chocolate flavor.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create a delicious sandwich with your favorite ice cream in between. This makes for a fun dessert that is perfect for warm days.
Warm Cookie Sundae
- Serve a warm cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup. This indulgent treat combines gooeyness and creaminess in every bite.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- For an elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cookies before serving. This adds a sweet aesthetic and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast. The tartness of the berries pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
To achieve the best texture and taste, follow these handy tips while making your chocolate chip pudding cookies.
Use room temperature ingredients – Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough that results in soft cookies.
Do not overmix – Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the dough – If you have time, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and prevents spreading.
Bake until just set – Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
While chocolate chip pudding cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Milkshakes – Thick and creamy milkshakes can elevate your dessert game; consider flavors like chocolate or vanilla.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over cookies adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Nut Butter Dip – A simple nut butter dip can add protein and richness; try almond or peanut butter for extra flavor.
- Coffee or Tea – These beverages offer warmth and depth, making them excellent companions to sweet desserts like cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Skipping the Creaming Step: Failing to cream the butter and sugars properly can lead to dense cookies. Ensure you mix them for at least three minutes until light and fluffy.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Using too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients.
- Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your dough. Always use room temperature eggs for better integration.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long makes cookies hard. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when they are slightly golden but still soft in the center.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cookies will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covered, for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.
Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix, like chocolate or butterscotch, to create unique variations of your cookies.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
What is the secret to soft chocolate chip pudding cookies?
The secret lies in using instant pudding mix in the dough, which keeps the cookies soft and chewy even after baking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that combines soft chewiness with rich chocolate flavor. They’re perfect as is, but you can customize them with various add-ins or flavored puddings. Enjoy these versatile cookies straight from the oven or dunked in milk!
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Discover the joy of baking with these irresistibly soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies. Enhanced by the secret ingredient of pudding mix, these cookies are not only easy to prepare but also remain delectably moist and tender for days. With gooey chocolate chips nestled throughout, they’re perfect for any occasion—from quick snacks to delightful desserts at gatherings. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will leave both kids and adults craving more.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Using a mixer, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
- Drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden on top.
- Cool 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 cookie (about 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or using different flavors of pudding mix. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.