Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these heavenly Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies! Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, these cookies are an instant crowd-pleaser. With the addition of instant vanilla pudding mix, they boast a texture that’s downright irresistible. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or a cozy night in, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Maldon salt for topping (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda, then set it aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and beat until well combined.
• Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Form Dough Balls: Using approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
• Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes, or until they are puffy and just barely cooked through. Be careful not to let them brown. If desired, sprinkle the cookies with Maldon salt immediately after removing them from the oven for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, indulge in the soft, chewy goodness of these delectable Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies!

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 120 per cookie
• Servings: 36

Serving and Storage Tips :

Maximize the enjoyment of your freshly baked Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies with these handy serving and storage suggestions:

Serving Tips:

• Warm and Gooey Delight: For an extra indulgent experience, microwave a cookie for a few seconds before serving to enjoy that warm, gooey center and melty chocolate chips.
• Pairing Perfection: Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a piping hot cup of coffee for a delightful flavor combination.
• Gift with Love: Share the love by packaging these cookies in decorative bags or boxes tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Get creative by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies to create delectable ice cream sandwiches that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
• Freezing Option: To prolong the freshness of your cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Layer with Parchment: If stacking cookies for storage, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Revive Stale Cookies: If your cookies have become slightly stale, revive them by placing a slice of bread or apple in the container with the cookies overnight. The moisture from the bread or apple will help restore their freshness.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies stay irresistibly soft, chewy, and delicious for longer, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking and indulging! 🍪

Variations :

Elevate your baking game with these creative variations on the classic Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies recipe:

1. Nutty Crunch:

• Add Chopped Nuts: Mix in your favorite chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.

2. Double Chocolate Delight:

• Use Chocolate Pudding Mix: Substitute the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer cocoa flavor.

3. Festive Flair:

• Seasonal Sprinkles: Add seasonal sprinkles to the dough for a festive touch. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or patriotic sprinkles for Independence Day.

4. Caramel Indulgence:

• Caramel Chips: Stir in caramel chips along with the chocolate chips for a sweet and gooey surprise in every bite.

5. Oatmeal Upgrade:

• Oatmeal Addition: Mix in rolled oats to the dough for a heartier texture and added fiber.

6. Peanut Butter Fusion:

• Swirl in Peanut Butter: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the cookies before baking for a peanut buttery flavor explosion.
• Add Peanut Butter Chips: Incorporate peanut butter chips into the dough for extra richness and depth of flavor.

7. Citrus Twist:

• Lemon or Orange Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy kick.

8. Spiced Sensation:

• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough for a warm and cozy flavor reminiscent of the holiday season.

9. White Chocolate Wonder:

• White Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter and creamier cookie.

10. Espresso Infusion: – Espresso Powder: Mix in espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the richness of the chocolate.

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and customize your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies with these tantalizing variations. Whether you prefer nuts, chocolate, or seasonal flavors, there’s a variation to suit every taste preference. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in these delightful treats! 🍪

FAQs:

1. Can I use instant pudding mix instead of cook-and-serve pudding mix?
   • Yes, instant pudding mix works perfectly fine in this recipe. There’s no need to cook it; simply add it to the dough as directed.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. Just ensure it’s softened before creaming with the sugars.
3. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
   • Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
4. What if I don’t have Maldon salt?
   • Maldon salt adds a nice finishing touch, but you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of coarse sea salt for a similar effect.
5. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips to customize the cookies to your liking.
6. How can I make the cookies softer or chewier?
   • To make the cookies softer, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time. For chewier cookies, increase the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.
7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in portions for later use. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
8. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
   • Absolutely! Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls accordingly, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly as well.
9. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
   • Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure your baking sheet is cool before placing the dough on it.
10. Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
    • The recipe as written does not contain nuts, but if you’re adding nuts as a variation, be mindful of individuals with nut allergies and label the cookies accordingly.

Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family with these irresistible Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or save them for later, they’re sure to be a hit! 🍪