Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate chip pudding cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their unique pudding ingredient, they stay moist and tender, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re dunking them in milk, using them as ice cream sandwiches, or enjoying them warm right from the oven, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Chewy: The addition of pudding ensures that every bite is soft and chewy.
• Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night at home.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with children; they’ll love helping out and tasting!
• Freezable Dough: Make extra dough and freeze it for future cookie cravings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your delicious chocolate chip pudding cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving the perfect creamy texture when mixing ingredients.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in chocolate chips and ensuring all ingredients are well combined without overmixing.

Ingredients

To make these irresistible 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

Chocolate Chips

• 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 for later use.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, either with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for at least 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the right texture!

Step 4: Add Pudding Mix and Eggs

Now add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture. Beat on high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Mixture with Wet Mixture

Slowly add half of the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Once combined well, increase the speed to high until fully incorporated. Repeat this step with the remaining dry ingredients until just combined. Gently stir in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

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

Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip pudding cookies fresh out of the oven or stored for later!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Chocolate chip pudding cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them warm from the oven or chilled, there are plenty of delightful serving ideas to explore.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that never disappoints. Dunk your warm cookies into a cold glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert. Try using vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit-flavored ice cream!

Warm and Gooey

• Enjoy the cookies fresh out of the oven. Their soft, chewy texture is irresistible when they’re still warm.

Cookie Platter

• Create a cookie platter for gatherings. Arrange your chocolate chip pudding cookies alongside other baked treats for an impressive dessert display.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Drizzled with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

• For an indulgent twist, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top of your cookies before serving.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To ensure your chocolate chip pudding cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

• Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Pair your chocolate chip pudding cookies with these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded dessert experience.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the chewy texture of the cookies.

3. Cheese Board: Offer a selection of cheeses like Brie or Gouda alongside nuts and dried fruits for an elegant touch.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with marshmallows, strawberries, and pretzels creates an interactive dessert experience.

5. Coffee or Tea: Serve a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea to complement the sweet flavors of your chocolate chip pudding cookies.

6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY sundae station with toppings like whipped cream, nuts, and syrups for guests to enjoy alongside their cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies can be a delight, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Creaming Step: Failing to cream the butter and sugars properly can lead to dense cookies. Beat for at least 3 minutes until fluffy for the best texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Overpacking flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements.
• Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can impact how well the dough comes together. Always use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Overbaking Cookies: Baking them too long can result in crunchy cookies instead of soft ones. Keep an eye on them and remove when they’re slightly golden.
• Neglecting to Chill the Dough: Chilling cookie dough before baking helps improve texture and flavor. If you have time, chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.

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

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my cookies softer?

Using instant pudding mix is key! It adds moisture and keeps your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies soft even after they cool.

Can I replace chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies with nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chips like white chocolate or peanut butter.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for a slight golden edge while the center remains soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can tweak them with various add-ins or flavors based on your preferences. They’re perfect as a snack or dessert that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy warm, gooey goodness!