These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy and soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. The addition of pudding mix creates a unique texture that is sure to satisfy your cookie cravings. With the perfect balance of chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla, they melt in your mouth with every bite.
These cookies are a great choice for any occasion, from a simple family treat to a special gathering. They are quick to make, easy to share, and loved by everyone. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or as a sweet snack, these chocolate chip pudding cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat until combined.
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Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips.
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Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are soft.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 20-22 minutes Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Why Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Are a Must-Try
Chocolate chip cookies are already a staple in many kitchens, so why change them? The secret lies in the pudding mix. By incorporating pudding into the dough, the cookies have a unique texture that is both soft and chewy, unlike the traditional crispier chocolate chip cookie. The added pudding ensures that the cookies stay tender and moist even after they have cooled, making them a hit for days after they’ve been baked. This twist on the classic also makes the cookies more indulgent, giving them a bakery-like quality that’s hard to resist.
Another great thing about pudding cookies is their versatility. They can be easily customized with different flavors of pudding mix. While vanilla pudding is the most common choice, you can experiment with butterscotch, chocolate, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding mixes to create a variety of cookie options. Each variation will bring a new depth of flavor to the cookies, making them perfect for every season and occasion.
The Perfect Texture: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible
One of the key reasons chocolate chip pudding cookies stand out is their texture. If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies, this recipe will become your new go-to. The pudding mix helps create a dough that is thicker and richer, yielding cookies that are more tender than your average chocolate chip cookie.
When baked, the edges of the cookies become lightly golden while the centers remain soft and gooey, creating the perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The chocolate chips add a burst of sweetness and richness to each bite, and the overall result is a cookie that’s incredibly satisfying without being overly sweet.
This unique texture is thanks to the pudding mix, which helps retain moisture in the dough as it bakes. While traditional cookies can dry out quickly, the pudding-infused dough remains soft for longer, giving these cookies a longer shelf life and making them perfect for baking in advance or for large gatherings.
The Flavor Explosion: Sweet, But Not Too Sweet
Chocolate chip pudding cookies deliver a sweet, flavorful bite with every mouthful. The base flavor comes from the buttery dough, enhanced by the vanilla pudding mix, which gives the cookies a slight richness without being overly heavy. The sweetness of the dough is perfectly balanced by the semi-sweet chocolate chips, which melt into the cookie during baking, leaving pockets of gooey, melted chocolate.
The combination of vanilla and chocolate in these cookies is a timeless pairing. The vanilla pudding adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the chocolate chips provide the familiar sweetness we all love. If you want to elevate the flavor further, you can always add a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. The salty-sweet combination will take the flavor profile to another level, making each bite even more irresistible.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
While the recipe for chocolate chip pudding cookies is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients – For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing the dough. This will allow the ingredients to combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
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Chill the dough – If you have the time, it’s a good idea to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the dough firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Chilled dough also results in thicker, chewier cookies.
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Measure your flour correctly – Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies, while too little flour can cause them to spread too thin. To avoid this, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
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Don’t overbake – It’s important to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Overbaking will result in a tougher cookie, so keep a close eye on them as they near the 10-minute mark.
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Customize your cookies – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your chocolate chip pudding cookies. Add-ins like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or coconut can add extra texture and flavor. You can also swap the vanilla pudding for different flavors, like butterscotch or chocolate pudding, to give your cookies a unique twist.
Why Pudding Mix Makes a Difference
You may be wondering, why use pudding mix in the first place? After all, it’s not a typical ingredient in most cookie recipes. The answer lies in the texture and moisture it provides. The instant pudding mix not only enhances the flavor but also helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy. Without the pudding mix, the cookies would have a drier, crumblier texture, and they might lose their softness after a day or two. By adding pudding, you can extend the freshness of the cookies and enjoy their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture for longer.
The pudding also adds a subtle flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips. It’s not an overpowering taste, but it adds a layer of richness to the cookies that sets them apart from regular chocolate chip cookies. The end result is a cookie that’s more flavorful, tender, and indulgent.
Conclusion: The Perfect Cookie for Every Occasion
Chocolate chip pudding cookies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a soft, chewy, and flavorful treat. The pudding mix transforms the traditional cookie recipe into something extraordinary, giving you a cookie that’s both tender and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a simple snack, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
With their soft, gooey texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your household. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. So why not try making these chocolate chip pudding cookies today? You’ll be glad you did!