If you love cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, then you’re in for a treat! My Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also add a delightful twist with instant pudding mix. Imagine biting into a warm cookie, bursting with chocolate chips! In this post, I will guide you through each step, so you can bake your own batch of these mouthwatering cookies. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
Dry Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
When making chocolate chip pudding cookies, I love to use quality ingredients. The butter is key to a rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar gives a nice chew.
For the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour creates a sturdy base. The instant vanilla pudding mix is what makes these cookies soft and moist. Baking soda helps them rise, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips are a must! They melt beautifully in the warm cookie. You can add chopped nuts for crunch, but that’s up to you.Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air, making the cookies soft.
Combining Ingredients
– Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well. The eggs bind the dough and add moisture.
– Combine dry ingredients and gradually incorporate them into the wet mix. This helps avoid lumps.
Finalizing the Dough
– Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts. This adds delicious bites of chocolate in every cookie.
– Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop.
Baking and Cooling
– Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. The centers should still look soft.
– Allow cooling before transferring to a wire rack. This keeps the cookies from getting too hard.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Cookies
– Do not overmix the dough to ensure soft cookies.
– Adjust baking time for preferred cookie softness. If you like chewy cookies, bake them for about 10 minutes. For crispier cookies, leave them in for 12 minutes.
Storage Tips
– Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This helps maintain their softness.
– Freeze cookie dough for later baking. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake from frozen. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair cookies with milk or ice cream for a delightful treat. This classic combo makes every bite even better.
– Drizzle melted chocolate over cookies before serving. It adds a nice touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can change the flavor of your cookies easily. Try using different pudding mixes like chocolate or butterscotch. Each mix gives a fun twist! You can also play with chocolate chips. Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. Mixing these flavors makes your cookies stand out.
Dietary Substitutions
If you want a gluten-free cookie, use a gluten-free flour blend. This swap keeps the taste great without gluten. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil. It adds a nice flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
Creative Twists
Spices can make your cookies even better! Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices bring out the sweet flavors. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for chewiness. Candy pieces like M&Ms add color and crunch. Each twist lets you create cookies that suit your taste.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
Keep your chocolate chip pudding cookies at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture. Use a sealed container to keep them fresh. I find that a glass or plastic container works best for this.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save some cookies for later, freeze them! Baked cookies can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. You can also store cookie dough in the fridge for up to three days. If you need longer storage, freeze the dough for later use. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy warm cookies, warm them briefly in the microwave. Just 10-15 seconds should do the trick for a soft texture. If you prefer a crispier bite, re-crisp cookies in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This brings back their original warmth and makes them taste fresh again.
FAQs
How do I get my cookies to be chewy?
To get chewy cookies, do not overbake them. Bake until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. Using more brown sugar also helps. Brown sugar adds moisture, making cookies softer and chewier.
Can I make these cookies without pudding mix?
Yes, you can make these cookies without pudding mix. However, the texture may change. For a softer cookie, add an extra egg. This extra egg will help keep the cookie moist and chewy.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can make these cookies healthier by swapping some granulated sugar for a healthier sweetener. Consider using honey or maple syrup. Also, using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients.
This blog post covered how to make delicious cookies using simple ingredients. We discussed the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your cookies. You can explore fun variations and storage tips for freshness. Remember to not overmix your dough for soft cookies. Choose your mix-ins wisely for unique flavors. Now, get baking and enjoy these treats with friends and family!
