Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion! These cookies stand out because they are made with instant pudding mix, ensuring they stay soft and moist, even after baking. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven, dunking in a glass of milk, or using them to create ice cream sandwiches, these cookies are sure to please everyone. With their rich chocolate flavor and delightful texture, they will quickly become your go-to cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft: The addition of pudding mix keeps these cookies soft and chewy for days.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—birthday parties, holidays, or just a cozy night at home.
• Chocolatey Goodness: Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookies satisfy every chocolate lover’s craving.
• Ideal for Dunking: Their soft texture makes them perfect for dipping in milk or coffee.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy and ensures a fluffy dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in chocolate chips without overmixing the dough.

Ingredients

Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies made with pudding to keep them soft! Perfect for dunking in a cold glass of milk, sandwiching around ice cream, or warm and gooey straight out of the oven.

For the Cookies

• 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed until light and creamy (about 3 minutes). This step is crucial for texture!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:
1. Start on low speed to avoid flour spilling everywhere.
2. Increase to high speed until combined.
3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and repeat until just combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until incorporated.

Step 6: Bake Your 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 until slightly golden on top.
2. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Serving chocolate chip pudding cookies can be a delightfully fun experience. These soft and chewy treats are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments for any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the gooeyness of chocolate chips perfectly. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert. Try vanilla or mint chocolate chip for a delightful contrast.

Warm from the Oven

• Enjoy these cookies warm and fresh out of the oven. The melted chocolate chips create an irresistible gooey texture that’s hard to resist.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter. Add some colorful sprinkles on top to make them visually appealing for parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair these cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. The sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the cookie.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To achieve the best chocolate chip pudding cookies, follow these helpful tips that ensure perfect results every time.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture.
• Soften Butter Properly: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugars, resulting in light and fluffy dough.
• Don’t Skip Creaming: Creaming butter and sugars well aerates the mixture, which is crucial for achieving soft cookies.
• Chill Dough (if time permits): Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and improve cookie structure.
• Watch Baking Time: Remove cookies when they are slightly golden on top. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Store Correctly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for lasting freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Pairing side dishes with chocolate chip pudding cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the chocolate flavor while adding a cool sensation.
2. Coffee: Brewed coffee provides a rich contrast that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate sauce allows you to dip each cookie, making every bite extra indulgent.
5. Hot Chocolate: For true chocolate lovers, serving these cookies alongside hot chocolate creates a comforting treat.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses that contrast with the sweetness of the cookies, offering a unique flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chocolate chip pudding cookies can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the cookies from mixing properly, resulting in a dense texture.
• Skipping the creaming step: Creaming the butter and sugars for at least three minutes is crucial. This step incorporates air, making your cookies light and fluffy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. Incorrect measurement can result in dry or crumbly cookies.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may become hard.
• Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and warm cookies for a few minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.

Can I use other flavors of pudding mix?

Yes! You can experiment with flavored pudding mixes like chocolate or butterscotch for a twist on the classic recipe.

How do I make my Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies chewier?

To enhance chewiness, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar and avoid overbaking them.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips or even colorful candy pieces like M&Ms for a fun variation.

How should I store my Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to extend freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or sharing them at gatherings, they’re sure to impress everyone. Try this recipe today!