If you’re a cookie lover looking for the ultimate soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth experience, this Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies recipe is for you! These cookies stand out with their secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix, which adds an extra level of softness and a rich vanilla flavor that elevates them to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just treating yourself, these cookies will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To make these delectable cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (vegan butter works too)
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 (3.4-ounce/96g) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Key Ingredient Spotlight: Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

You might be wondering why this recipe includes instant vanilla pudding mix. The answer lies in the texture and flavor it brings to the cookies. The pudding mix adds moisture, making the cookies extra soft and chewy while infusing a rich vanilla flavor. This unique ingredient is the secret to cookies that stay tender even after a few days.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set it aside while you prepare the dough.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are well-combined, and set the bowl aside for later use.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed. This step is crucial to achieving light, airy cookies. Beat for at least 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and creamy.

4. Incorporate the Pudding Mix, Eggs, and Vanilla
Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on high for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This ensures the cookies have a soft texture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start the mixer on low speed to avoid flour spilling everywhere, then increase to high speed until fully combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients. Do not overmix; stop as soon as the dough comes together.

6. Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough at this stage.

7. Shape and Bake the Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to portion out the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden and just set on top.

8. Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and enhances their chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Make sure to stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Not Cooling the Cookies Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a rack. This helps prevent them from breaking apart and ensures the perfect chewy consistency.

How to Store Your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to three months. For best results, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Equipment Needed for the Perfect Cookie

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Cookie scoop or measuring cup
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Cooling rack

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, consider serving these cookies on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside a glass of cold milk. Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern or stack them for an eye-catching display.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Add Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch.
Use White Chocolate Chips: Swap out some or all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.

Q: How Do I Know When the Cookies are Fully Baked?
The cookies are done when they are slightly golden and just set on top. They may appear soft in the center but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour, which can make the cookies dense.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and helps achieve the desired texture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe. Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and let us know how they turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious baking ideas!

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe