Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate chip pudding cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies stand out thanks to the addition of instant pudding mix, which keeps them incredibly soft and moist. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them dunked in milk, as a sandwich for ice cream, or warm from the oven with gooey chocolate chips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Soft Texture: The addition of pudding mix ensures each cookie remains soft and chewy, even days after baking.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack; they suit any setting or occasion.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and vanilla pudding creates a rich, satisfying flavor.
• Dunking Delight: Perfectly designed for dunking in milk or coffee, enhancing your snacking experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will help you focus on making the best chocolate chip pudding cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make combining ingredients easy and ensure your cookie dough is perfectly mixed for the right texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. They help maintain the balance of ingredients for perfect cookies every time.

Ingredients

To make these delicious soft 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

Extras

• 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: Whisk 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 either 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 (about 3 minutes).
2. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.

Step 4: Mix in Pudding and Eggs

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

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add half of the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients:
1. Start mixing on low speed to prevent flour from scattering.
2. Once combined, turn up to high speed until fully blended.
3. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips gently.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup:
1. Drop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly golden and just set on top.
3. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked chocolate chip pudding cookies warm or save some for later!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic Milk Dunk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic experience. The combination of warm cookies and chilly milk is irresistible!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two chocolate chip pudding cookies to create a delicious ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun twist.

Cookie Crumble Topping

• Crumble the cookies over yogurt or ice cream for a crunchy topping. This adds texture and flavor to your desserts!

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a platter with fruits and nuts. This makes for an appealing dessert table that offers variety.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve the cookies warm straight from the oven for that gooey goodness everyone loves. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.

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: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and enhances texture.
• Don’t skip creaming: Creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy is crucial. It adds air into the mixture, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.
• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and maintains shape.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they are slightly golden but still soft in the center for perfect chewiness.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft longer this way.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Chocolate chip pudding cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a refreshing touch.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your cookie for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
4. Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for added fluffiness and richness—great alongside coffee or hot cocoa!
5. Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or peanut butter dip for a protein-packed side that pairs well with cookies.
6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent pairing, enhancing flavors while providing warmth.
7. Cheese Plate: Offer mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone to contrast against the sweet flavors of the cookie.

Enjoy these serving ideas and tips to make your chocolate chip pudding cookies even more delightful!

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 cookies that are dense instead of soft. Make sure to beat them until light and fluffy for the right texture.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect how well your dough comes together. Ensure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing once you add flour can develop gluten, making cookies tough. Mix until just combined to keep them chewy and tender.

• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can pack it down and lead to too much flour in the dough. This measurement method ensures the perfect cookie consistency.

• Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. Remove them when they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie on a plate for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing a lid over it for even warming, about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other flavors of pudding mix?

Yes! You can substitute with chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for unique flavors in your cookies.

How do I make my cookies more chewy?

Adding extra pudding mix or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can enhance chewiness in your cookies.

What types of chocolate chips should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, but feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs or another egg substitute in place of regular eggs.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only deliciously soft and chewy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even dried fruits. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats!