There’s something truly magical that happens when you mix the classic comforts of home baking with a simple twist, like instant pudding mix. Picture yourself pulling a batch of ultra-soft Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies from the oven, the warm, gooey chocolate melting with a buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen. Each bite is a delightful surprise—crispy edges giving way to a chewy center, thanks to that delightful pudding secret.
I stumbled upon this winning combination during a baking session on a rainy afternoon, and the results were so impressive that I knew I had to share it with you. These cookies are not just easy to make; they’ve become a staple in my house, pleasing everyone from my kids to unexpected guests who pop in. Perfect for any occasion, these crowd-pleasers can be customized with your favorite flavors, making them as versatile as your imagination allows.
So grab your mixing bowl and let’s create some cookie magic together!
Why are Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies a must-try?
Ultimate Convenience: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together swiftly, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute treats.
Irresistible Softness: The addition of instant pudding mix ensures a soft and chewy texture that will leave you craving more.
Endless Customization: Swap in your favorite pudding flavors, or add nuts and sprinkles to create unique variations.
Crowd Favorite: These cookies are a hit with everyone, from kids to adults—perfect for family gatherings or bake sales.
Baking Fun: Enjoy a fun and engaging baking experience that lets you create cookies that look as good as they taste. If you’re looking for delightful variations, check out our variation ideas for even more delicious options!
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Ingredients
• Elevate your baking with these delightful components!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal blending.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor; can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and helps with browning.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; make sure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Flour – The primary structure-building ingredient; all-purpose flour is recommended.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and softness to cookies; use a 3.4-ounce dry pack without preparing it as directed.
- Baking Powder – Provides lift and helps cookies rise.
- Baking Soda – Enhances browning and spread of the cookies.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Add-Ins
- Toffee Bits – Adds a chewy texture and buttery flavor; can be omitted or replaced with nuts if desired.
- Chocolate Chips – The staple chocolate flavor; use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the best results.
Feel free to get creative with these Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies by swapping out flavors and add-ins to make them uniquely yours!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
-
Preparation: Start by letting your unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about an hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
-
Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, then incorporate the vanilla extract and mix in the eggs one at a time until smoothly blended.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly blended to ensure a perfect cookie dough.
-
Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in toffee bits and chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
-
Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
-
Shape Cookies: After chilling, roll the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking!
-
Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie while they are still warm. Let the cookies rest on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix it up and create your own version of these delightful cookies, adding flavors that excite your taste buds!
- Chocolate Pudding: Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding mix to enhance the cocoa flavor and add richness.
- Butterscotch Pudding: Use butterscotch pudding for a sweet, caramel-like twist that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Replace toffee bits with chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and an earthy flavor.
- S’mores Style: Fold in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a nostalgic s’mores experience with each bite.
- Spiced Pumpkin: Incorporate pumpkin spice pudding and add cinnamon for a cozy autumn vibe that’s perfect for the season.
- Funfetti Cookies: Mix in colorful sprinkles to the dough for a playful touch that appeals to kids and the young-at-heart.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add peanut butter chips alongside chocolate chips for a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the cookie’s chewiness.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness in an unexpected way.
Let your creativity shine through with these variations, making every batch a new adventure!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, place them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but expect a slight loss of softness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen by adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, until heated through.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy days! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing everything together and storing the dough tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents browning. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and roll the chilled dough into balls on your prepared baking sheet. For those who want even more convenience, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring them to an airtight container. When it’s time to bake, no need to thaw—the cookies will be just as delicious with an additional 2-3 minutes in the oven!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- Use Instant Pudding: Always opt for instant pudding mix, as cook-and-serve will alter the texture and softness of your cookies.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This prevents the cookies from spreading too thin while baking, keeping them soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for 20-30 minutes helps maintain the cookie shape and enhances flavor, ensuring delicious Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies during baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to mix in different add-ins, but avoid too many heavy ingredients, which can weigh down the dough and prevent optimal baking results.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies?
These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for pairing with delightful accompaniments that elevate your treat experience.
- Glass of Milk: A classic match, the creaminess of milk complements the rich chocolate and buttery flavors of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Imagine a warm cookie topping a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly dessert sundae.
- Coffee or Espresso: The boldness of coffee enhances the cookies’ sweetness and provides a cozy afternoon snack option.
- Fruit Salad: The freshness of a light fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies, adding a refreshing note to your dessert table.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies takes indulgence to the next level, satisfying any chocolate lover’s cravings!
- Hot Chocolate: For a truly decadent experience, pair these cookies with a piping hot cup of cocoa, making for a sweet winter treat.
- Caramel Drizzle: A touch of warm caramel sauce adds a buttery richness that perfectly complements each bite.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream on top of a cookie can make any gathering feel festive.
- Nutty Snack Mix: Serving a side of crunchy nut mix provides texture contrast, making your sweet treat experience even more delightful.
Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This allows them to mix evenly with the other ingredients. The unsalted butter should also be softened to room temperature—this typically takes about an hour sitting out on the counter. Avoid using hard cold butter, as it won’t blend well with the sugars and may lead to denser cookies.
What are the best storage methods for leftover cookies?
Very! To keep your cooled Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their life a bit, you could refrigerate them—but keep in mind that they will lose some of their delightful softness. For optimal freshness, I recommend freezing the cookie dough balls individually before storing them in a container for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop out the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag, and label them with the date. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no! If your cookies spread more than you’d like, it’s likely due to the butter being too warm or too much mixing after the flour is added. Make sure to only mix until just combined. If you find that your butter was too soft, try chilling the dough for an additional 15-20 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you have specific allergies, it’s important to note that this recipe includes common allergens such as gluten (in the flour) and dairy (in the butter). If you want to make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some to ensure proper cookie structure.
Can I substitute instant pudding mix for other flavors?
Absolutely! You can get creative here! Feel free to swap the vanilla pudding mix for chocolate, butterscotch, or even cheesecake pudding for different flavor profiles. Mixing in nuts or sprinkles can further customize your cookies. Experimenting with these different flavors is part of the fun!
Ultra-Soft Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by letting your unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about an hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla extract and mix in the eggs one at a time until smoothly blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly blended to ensure a perfect cookie dough.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in toffee bits and chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape and enhance their flavor.
- After chilling, roll the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Once out of the oven, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie while they are still warm. Let the cookies rest on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.