Ever wondered how to keep your chocolate chip cookies soft and chewy for days? The secret ingredient might surprise you. These chocolate chip pudding cookies are about to become your new favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
- The pudding mix adds moisture and ensures your cookies stay soft long after baking.
- Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that white sugar just can’t match.
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading, giving you thick, bakery-style cookies.
- Using both chocolate chips and chunks creates pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chunks
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should look pale and feel smooth when you rub it between your fingers.
Step 2: Add the Pudding Mix and Wet Ingredients
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the pudding mix. Beat until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be cohesive but still soft.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for preventing flat cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips and Tricks
For cookies that are extra thick, try rolling the dough into balls and then slightly flattening the tops before baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step, but expect your cookies to spread more. Always use room temperature eggs for the best texture. To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—the cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding and use dark chocolate chips for double chocolate cookies.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or toffee bits for extra crunch.
- For a festive twist, mix in 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies around the holidays.
- Use white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a sweet and tart variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, sugar-free pudding mix will work in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. The cookies might not be as soft or sweet, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to compensate.
How long can I store the dough in the fridge?
The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Absolutely! A sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick. Just make sure your butter is properly softened to make creaming easier.
Summary
These chocolate chip pudding cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a soft, chewy cookie. With the secret ingredient of pudding mix, they stay fresh longer and pack a punch of flavor in every bite.