Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies stay soft thanks to the addition of instant pudding mix, making them ideal for dunking in cold milk or enjoying warm right out of the oven. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple snack, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with their rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft Texture: The pudding mix ensures each cookie is moist and chewy, making every bite irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as-is, sandwich them with ice cream, or use them for cookie sandwiches; the options are endless!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Great for Baking Ahead: These cookies freeze well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for future cravings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy and quick, ensuring a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized during prep.
• Rubber spatula: Helps to incorporate chocolate chips evenly into the dough without breaking them.

Ingredients

For these delightful Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Mix-ins

• 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 using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy. This should take at least 3 minutes—do not skip this step!

Step 4: Add Pudding Mix and Eggs

Add the dry pudding mix along with the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat on high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Slowly add half of the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere. Once combined, turn up the mixer speed to high until fully mixed. Repeat this step with the remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Finally, stir in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly golden on top but still soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

These chocolate chip pudding cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their flavor and texture.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for an indulgent dessert!

Warm and Gooey

• Serve the cookies warm right out of the oven. They are soft and gooey, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra layer of sweetness. This makes them feel like a fancy dessert!

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust your cookies with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a nice presentation and subtle sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To ensure your chocolate chip pudding cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Do Not Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An overheated oven can burn the cookies.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit alongside chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt pairs well with cookies, adding a tangy contrast that enhances flavor.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies in warm chocolate fondue for an extra decadent treat.

4. Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee brings out the flavors in the chocolate, making it a perfect match.

5. Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a mug of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience during colder months.

6. Nut Butter Dips: Serve with almond or peanut butter dips for added richness; this creates a sweet and savory combination.

7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch that complements the pudding’s softness.

8. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a contrasting savory element that pairs well with sweet desserts like these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough – Mixing for too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Scooping flour directly from the bag can add too much. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the creaming step – Creaming butter and sugars for at least 3 minutes is crucial for a light and fluffy cookie. Don’t rush this step!
• Using cold eggs – Cold eggs can affect the mixing process. Always use room temperature eggs for optimal results.
• Not chilling the dough – If you’re short on time, you might skip chilling. However, chilling helps develop flavors and improves texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.

Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?

Yes! You can experiment with different pudding flavors like chocolate or butterscotch to create unique cookie variations.

How do I make gluten-free Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The inclusion of instant pudding mix retains moisture, giving the cookies their signature chewy texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruits to customize your cookies further.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different chocolate types or nuts. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious treats fresh out of the oven!