Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step ensures the cookies have the perfect soft and chewy texture.

4. Add Pudding and Eggs:
Beat in the vanilla pudding mix until fully incorporated. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and walnuts, if using) until evenly distributed.

7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake:
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Pudding Cookies:

• Don’t Overbake: For extra soft cookies, remove them from the oven when they look slightly undercooked in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes can enhance flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
• Flavor Variations: Try chocolate pudding for double chocolate cookies or butterscotch pudding for a rich, caramel-like twist.
• Mix-Ins: Add white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even crushed pretzels for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas:

🍨 Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

☕ With Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.

🎉 Dessert Platters: Arrange these cookies with brownies, cupcakes, and fruit for a stunning dessert spread at parties or gatherings.

Storage and Freezing:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Let cookies cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts:

These Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and the perfect solution for any dessert craving. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply treating yourself, their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor never disappoint. Try them out, and don’t be surprised if they become your go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe!