Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies: The Ultimate Easy Recipe

Prepare to discover your new favorite cookie recipe: Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies! These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; they are incredibly soft, irresistibly chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor in every single bite. What’s the secret to their exceptional texture? A simple box of instant pudding mix transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary dessert sensation. This innovative addition ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays soft for days, making these cookies truly stand out.

This recipe is not only surprisingly easy to follow but also yields consistently amazing results. The instant pudding mix truly works magic, elevating the texture and flavor profile to a whole new level. Once you experience the difference it makes, you’ll understand why these cookies are so adored and why they often become a staple in many households. Perfect for busy parents or anyone looking for a foolproof dessert, I find myself baking these delightful treats frequently. They are an absolute crowd-pleaser!

These cookies are famous for being wonderfully soft and delightfully gooey, making them an instant hit whenever they’re served. My children, in particular, adore them and affectionately refer to them as “pudding cookies,” constantly requesting more. While they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies, the inclusion of pudding mix lends them a unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart. Get ready for rave reviews!

Looking for more fun cookie ideas? Surprise your loved ones with Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies, indulge in the decadent Triple Chocolate Cookies Recipe, or simplify dessert with Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Why Add Instant Pudding Mix to Cookies? The Secret to Superior Softness

Adding instant pudding mix to your cookie dough might seem unconventional, but it’s the game-changing ingredient that makes these cookies exceptionally moist and wonderfully soft. The dry pudding mix acts as a tenderizer and moisture absorber, resulting in an unbeatable texture that remains fresh for longer than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

When baked, these cookies develop a delightful contrast: a slightly crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to an incredibly soft, fluffy, and tender interior. The pudding mix essentially “hydrates” the dough during baking, preventing it from drying out and creating that coveted chewy consistency. It also subtly enhances the overall flavor, adding an extra layer of richness without overpowering the classic chocolate chip taste.

It’s crucial to remember that you should only incorporate the dry instant pudding mix into your dough. Do not prepare the pudding according to the box instructions; simply open the packet and add the powder directly to your dry ingredients. Using cooked or prepared pudding would introduce too much liquid, drastically altering the dough’s consistency and leading to an entirely different (and likely undesirable) result.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pudding Cookies

Crafting these delectable chocolate chip pudding cookies requires a handful of common baking ingredients, plus our special secret weapon – instant pudding mix! Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Unsalted Butter: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars. This creates air pockets for light, fluffy cookies.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ chewiness and adds a wonderful caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the crispness of the cookie edges.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding moisture and richness to the dough. Make sure they are also at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate and pudding beautifully. Don’t skip the good quality stuff!
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 oz box): The star ingredient! Use only the dry powder, not prepared pudding. It adds moisture, softness, and a subtle vanilla boost.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of our cookies. Proper measurement is key (see Pro Tips!).
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread slightly, contributing to their soft texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Milk Chocolate Chips (11 oz bag): Generously loaded throughout the dough for bursts of melty, creamy chocolate. Feel free to adjust the amount or type to your preference.

The complete, detailed ingredient list with precise measurements and step-by-step instructions can be found in the recipe card at the very bottom of this page.

Creative Variations for Your Pudding Cookies

One of the best things about these chocolate chip pudding cookies is how versatile they are! While the classic vanilla pudding and milk chocolate chip combination is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delightful variations:

• Explore Different Pudding Flavors:
  

  The type of instant pudding mix you choose can dramatically change the flavor profile of your cookies. While vanilla is a beloved classic and often our family’s favorite, consider these exciting alternatives:

  • Butterscotch Pudding: For a rich, buttery, and slightly caramel-like flavor.
  • Chocolate Pudding: To create an intensely chocolatey cookie experience, perfect for chocoholics.
  • Cheesecake Pudding: Adds a creamy, tangy note that’s unexpectedly delicious.
  • Lemon Pudding: For a bright, zesty twist, especially nice in warmer months.
  • Banana Cream Pudding: A unique flavor for those who love banana desserts.

  Remember, always use instant pudding mix and only the dry powder, never the cooked variety!

• Experiment with Chocolate Chip Types and Other Morsels:

  Beyond traditional milk chocolate chips, the possibilities are endless for customizing your cookie mix-ins:

  • White Chocolate Chips: Offer a sweet, creamy contrast.
  • Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For a more intense, less sweet chocolate flavor.
  • Peanut Butter Morsels: A fantastic addition for peanut butter lovers, creating a delicious flavor pairing.
  • Butterscotch Morsels: Reinforce the butterscotch pudding flavor or add a unique twist to vanilla pudding cookies.
  • Caramel Bits: Add pockets of gooey, buttery caramel goodness.
  • Chopped Candy Bars: Get creative with your favorite crushed candies!

  Feel free to mix and match different types of chips and morsels for a truly customized cookie experience!

• Incorporate Nuts or Other Add-ins:

  Adding ½ cup of chopped nuts or other ingredients can provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor complexity to your cookie dough.

  • Chopped Pecans: Offer a buttery, earthy flavor.
  • Chopped Walnuts: Known for their slightly bitter, robust taste.
  • Macadamia Nuts: For a rich, creamy, and tropical touch (pairs wonderfully with white chocolate!).
  • Dried Cranberries or Cherries: Add a chewy texture and tart sweetness.
  • Oatmeal: For a heartier texture and classic oatmeal cookie vibe.
  • Sprinkles: A fun way to add color for holidays or celebrations!

  Just use whatever you have on hand or what you enjoy most to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Making these incredibly soft and chewy cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

• Step 1: Preheat Your Oven.

  First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the cookies are ready to bake, allowing them to cook evenly from the start. Also, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and consistent baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. The butter should be soft enough to easily indent with a finger, but not melted. This allows it to cream properly and incorporate air, which is essential for light cookies.

Step 3: Achieve Smooth and Fluffy Texture.

Using either a hand-held electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar mixture on medium speed until it becomes light, smooth, and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are well combined and creamed.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla.

Next, add the large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This helps emulsify the mixture and keeps it smooth. Once the eggs are combined, stir in the vanilla extract. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing at this stage.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Chocolate Chips.

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: instant pudding mix, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these are thoroughly combined before adding to the wet ingredients. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be very careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Place on Baking Sheets.

Using a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons), drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Using a scoop ensures that each cookie is uniform in size, which promotes even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Look for edges that are lightly golden brown, while the centers still appear slightly soft and set. Remember, these cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet even after being removed from the oven, so avoid overbaking to maintain their signature softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pudding Cookies

Pro Tips for Perfect Pudding Cookies Every Time

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy chocolate chip pudding cookies is easy with a few expert tips. Incorporating these techniques into your baking routine will ensure consistently delicious results:

• Use Instant Pudding Mix ONLY, and Dry.

  This is paramount! Always use instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety. The “instant” type contains specific ingredients that react with the moisture in your dough to create that signature soft and chewy texture. Furthermore, do not prepare the pudding according to its box instructions; simply add the dry powder directly to your dry ingredients. Adding liquid to the pudding mix before incorporating it into the cookie dough will lead to a watery, unusable batter.

• Line Your Baking Sheets.

  For effortless cleanup and to promote even baking, always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or use a high-quality silicone baking mat. These non-stick surfaces prevent the cookies from sticking, help them bake more uniformly, and ensure they slide off easily without breaking once cooled. Plus, it saves you from scrubbing sticky residue!

• Measure Ingredients Precisely, Especially Flour.

  Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. This is particularly true for flour. To measure flour correctly, avoid scooping it directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this compacts it and results in too much flour. Instead, use the “spoon and level” method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then use the back of a straight edge (like a knife or a bench scraper) to level off the excess at the top. This technique ensures you use the correct amount, preventing dense or dry cookies.

• Do Not Overmix the Batter.

  Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix them only until they are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense, and less tender cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour, even if a few lumps remain. The chocolate chips can be folded in by hand to minimize mixing.

• Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity.

  A cookie scoop is an invaluable tool for any baker. It helps ensure that each cookie is the same size, which is critical for even baking. If cookies are different sizes, some will burn while others remain undercooked. Uniform size also makes for a more appealing presentation. We typically use a medium-sized cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) for these pudding cookies.

• Allow for Initial Cooling on the Baking Sheet.

  Once your cookies are out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow them to rest on the hot baking sheet for about 5 minutes. During this time, the cookies continue to set and firm up. Moving them too soon can cause them to crumble or break apart, especially since these cookies are designed to be extra soft.

• Avoid Overbaking.

  One of the biggest mistakes in cookie baking is overbaking. For these pudding cookies, you want the edges to be just slightly golden brown, and the centers to still look a little soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will lead to dry, hard cookies, completely losing that desirable soft and chewy texture that the pudding mix provides.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key.

  Ensure your butter and eggs are at proper room temperature. This allows them to cream together more efficiently, creating a smooth, emulsified batter that traps air, leading to lighter, fluffier cookies. Cold ingredients don’t blend well and can result in a lumpy, inconsistent dough.

• Consider Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended).

  If time allows, chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can significantly improve the cookies’ texture and flavor. Chilling allows the flour to fully hydrate, the flavors to meld, and the butter to re-solidify, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking. This often results in a thicker, chewier cookie with a more intense flavor.

More Amazing Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’re a cookie enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies
• Easy Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
• The Best Butter Cookies
• Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
• Easy Homemade Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe