Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe

Sink your teeth into these irresistibly soft and extra-fluffy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, where classic chocolate chip bliss meets the magic of pudding mix. Every bite is a delightful balance of golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth, pillowy center. These cookies have a secret ingredient (instant pudding!) that elevates their flavor and makes them stand out at bake sales, holiday parties, and quiet nights in. If you’re ready to discover your new go-to cookie recipe, keep reading—you’re in for a seriously sweet treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking these Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient brings something special to the table. From creamy butter to sweet vanilla pudding mix, these pantry staples work together to create cookies that are rich, chewy, and packed with flavor.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Ensures your cookies are rich and tender, while allowing you to control the salt level perfectly.
• Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that gives each bite a hint of chewiness.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Gives the cookies structure and that classic sweetness we all crave.
• Eggs, Room Temperature (2): Bind everything together for a thick and luscious dough, while adding fluffiness and color.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and enhances the aroma—don’t skip this for classic cookie goodness!
• All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): The backbone of the cookies, providing just the right amount of structure and a soft crumb.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces): The not-so-secret ingredient that ensures a uniquely soft and moist texture in every cookie.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift, making them extra fluffy.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread a bit while baking and adds to their signature texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1½ cups): The star of the show—melted pockets of chocolate in every single bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and, using a mixer set to medium speed, blend together the soft unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about one to two minutes. This step is key—creaming the sugars with the butter incorporates air, making your Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies light and fluffy right from the start.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and keep mixing for another minute or two. This ensures your dough is creamy and the vanilla flavor is spread evenly throughout, setting the stage for classic, nostalgic cookie aromas.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix (just the dry powder!), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the pudding mix evenly, so every single cookie turns out perfectly soft and tender.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—blend just until combined so the cookies stay extra tender. The dough will look thick and a bit pale, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the chocolate chips into your dough until they’re evenly spread throughout. Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are all about those gooey chocolate pockets, so make sure you mix just enough for the chips to be distributed without crushing them.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling gives the dough a chance to firm up, which means less spreading in the oven and extra thick, bakery-style cookies. If your oven isn’t quite ready yet, let the dough chill until preheating is finished.

Step 7: Prepare and Bake

Set your oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them 2 inches apart on the sheet. If you want picture-perfect cookies, press a few extra chocolate chips onto each dough ball. Bake for about 10 minutes, just until the centers look set but not browned—overbaking will make them less soft!

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, transfer the hot cookies to a cooling rack and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies hold their shape and enhances their delightfully soft texture. Let them cool completely before storing or serving (if you can resist!).

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Garnishes

Piling up your freshly-baked cookies on a pretty plate is always inviting, but why not take things up a notch? Sprinkle each cookie with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking for that sought-after salty-sweet contrast. Or, drizzle a little melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra pizzazz at parties.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk—classic, simple, and always a hit with kids. For grown-up gatherings, serve them alongside espresso, hot coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream sandwiched between two cookies instantly transforms them into decadent, homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dessert table, stack cookies in glass jars or tiered trays, or wrap up a few Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies in parchment and tie with colorful twine for sweet party favors. You can also crumble them over pudding, yogurt parfaits, or build a mini-cookie charcuterie board for your next gathering. These cookies love to show off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to four days, thanks to the magical pudding mix, and you won’t have to worry about them turning dry or crumbly.

Freezing

To freeze, scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or container and stash them in the freezer for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time for fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies anytime.

Reheating

If your cookies have cooled or you want to revive leftover ones, pop them in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to bring back their warm, gooey centers. For a crisper edge, a minute in a 300°F oven will do the trick—they’ll taste almost as good as fresh-baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor pudding mix for these cookies?

Absolutely! While vanilla pudding creates the classic Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies flavor, you can experiment with chocolate, butterscotch, or even banana pudding mix for a fun twist. Each will give the cookies its own unique personality and taste.

What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?

Instant pudding mix is key for achieving that signature soft, fluffy texture. Regular cook-and-serve pudding won’t work the same way and could alter the cookie’s structure. For best results, stick with instant.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. This not only makes planning ahead easy but can also deepen the flavors as the dough rests.

Why do my cookies come out flat?

Flat cookies usually mean the butter was too warm, or the dough wasn’t chilled enough before baking. Make sure your butter is just room temperature—not melty—and always give your dough enough time to chill in the fridge for thick, fluffy results.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Bake Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies just until the centers look set but not browned. They may look slightly undercooked when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool, staying wonderfully soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, you’ll understand why they have a cult following. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and deliver bakery-level results right in your own kitchen. Don’t be surprised if these become your most requested treat—grab your apron and give them a whirl!

Print