Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy and utterly delicious, Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies are not just about their rich chocolate flavor; the addition of pudding mix keeps them soft and moist for days! Whether you’re planning a cozy family dessert night, a festive gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies will surely impress. Enjoy them warm out of the oven, dunked in milk, or even as ice cream sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Softness: The pudding mix ensures each cookie remains incredibly soft and chewy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain, with ice cream, or as part of your favorite dessert platter.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit among friends and family.
• Storage Friendly: These cookies stay fresh longer thanks to the pudding mix, making them great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need to create these delightful cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a light and creamy texture by thoroughly mixing the butter and sugars.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry ingredients from wet ones efficiently.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect cookie consistency.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering recipe of Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, you will need:

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. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. 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, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is 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 2-3 minutes until everything becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Start mixing on low speed to avoid messiness. Once combined, increase the speed to high until fully integrated. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

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

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

These delightful Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your cookies even more enjoyable.

With a Cold Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The milk complements the sweetness and richness of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between, and enjoy this indulgent treat.

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with whipped cream. This adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie.

Fresh Fruit Compote

• Drizzle a homemade fruit compote over the cookies for a fruity twist. The tartness of berries or apples balances out the sweetness.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To ensure that your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to gluten development.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for better flavor and texture in your cookies.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that add flavor and variety. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delicious and healthy side that pairs well with sweets.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creaminess balances the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit or marshmallows makes for an interactive dessert experience.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix adds texture and flavor; consider including almonds, walnuts, or dried fruits.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top their scoops with cookie crumbles, syrups, and nuts for extra fun.
7. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the cookie, making it a comforting dessert choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.

• Skipping the creaming step: This is crucial for a light texture. Take time to cream butter and sugars thoroughly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour leads to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to maintain softness.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet allows them to set properly before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, check out these FAQs.

Can I use different flavors of pudding?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavored pudding mixes like chocolate or butterscotch for unique variations.

How do I make my cookies softer?

Ensure you don’t overbake them. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked when removed from the oven.

What can I substitute for eggs in Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies?

You can use flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as egg substitutes. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water or use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit to enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about one week at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness level. Give this delightful recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to create delicious treats that everyone will enjoy!