Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate chip pudding cookies are the ultimate treat that everyone will love. With their unique pudding ingredient, these cookies stay soft and moist for longer, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re dunking them in a cold glass of milk, using them to sandwich ice cream, or enjoying them warm straight out of the oven, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft: The addition of pudding mix ensures that each cookie remains soft and chewy even after a few days.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as an everyday snack; they fit any occasion beautifully.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and vanilla pudding creates a rich flavor that delights the taste buds.
• Fun to Customize: Add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for a unique twist every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, 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 and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows you to efficiently combine ingredients without mess.
• Cookie scoop or measuring cup: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

To make your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, you’ll need 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: Combine 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 with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream the butter along with both sugars on high speed until light and creamy. This should take at least 3 minutes. Do not skip this step as it is crucial for texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs into the creamed mixture. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Start mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere.
2. Once combined, increase the speed until fully mixed.
3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and repeat until just combined.
4. Gently stir in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet:
1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden on top but still soft in the center.
2. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

These delightful chocolate chip pudding cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Cookie and Milk Pairing

• Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two chocolate chip pudding cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream. This creates a deliciously gooey treat that’s perfect for hot days.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve the cookies warm straight from the oven for an irresistible treat. The chocolate chips will be melty, creating a heavenly texture.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange an assortment of these cookies on a platter for parties or gatherings. They make a great addition to dessert tables and are sure to impress guests.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair your cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The freshness of the fruit balances the richness of the cookies, adding a refreshing twist.

Dipped in Hot Chocolate

• For an indulgent treat, dip your chocolate chip pudding cookies in hot chocolate. This adds an extra layer of chocolaty goodness that is hard to resist.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To achieve the best results with your chocolate chip pudding cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough and results in a better texture.

• Don’t skip creaming: Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies rise nicely.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon and level the flour when measuring it. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so accuracy is key.

• Chill the dough (optional): For chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows flavors to meld and improves texture.

• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly golden but still soft in the center; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Chocolate chip pudding cookies can be paired with several delightful side dishes that enhance their sweetness and flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the chewy cookie perfectly.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your cookie for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your cookie for a tasty breakfast option.
5. Milkshake: Blend up a chocolate or vanilla milkshake as a refreshing drink that pairs well with each bite of cookie.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors while providing warmth on chilly days.
7. Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter spread on top for added protein and flavor.
8. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a unique contrast to the sweetness of your cookies, making it an intriguing pairing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies is fun, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies.

• Skipping the creaming step: Creaming butter and sugars is essential for creating a light and fluffy cookie. Take your time to whip them together for at least three minutes.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then gently fold in chocolate chips.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy if needed.
• Baking on unprepared sheets: Without parchment paper, cookies may stick and lose their shape. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for best results.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid and warm the cookies gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.

Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for a twist on the classic recipe.

How do I make these cookies softer?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar will help keep your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies soft. Also, don’t overbake them!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookies.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy, making them perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or using different pudding flavors. We hope you give this recipe a try!