There’s something unforgettable about the first bite of a Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies. The edges are slightly crisp, the middle is soft, and the flavor feels like pure comfort. But here’s the thing most homemade cookies lose that perfect texture after a day or two.
That’s why I fell in love with pudding cookies. Adding instant pudding mix to the dough changes everything. It creates a cookie that stays soft, chewy, and flavorful for days.
With one simple base recipe, you can bake three irresistible versions: Classic Chocolate Pudding Cookies, Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies, and Funfetti Pudding Cookies. These cookies aren’t just easy they’re foolproof, festive, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Why Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies Are So Special
You might be wondering: what difference does a box of pudding mix really make? The answer is simple texture and flavor.
Pudding mix has cornstarch and sugar, which help lock in moisture and prevent cookies from turning dry or crumbly. The result? A cookie that feels almost melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Beyond that, pudding cookies are incredibly versatile. Use vanilla for a classic base, chocolate for extra richness, or even try butterscotch or banana pudding for fun seasonal twists.
This recipe is a time-saver too you don’t need to chill the dough, and it works beautifully for bake sales, holiday trays, or quick weeknight cravings.
If you enjoy recipes that feel comforting yet exciting, this one fits perfectly alongside other treats like my buttermilk scones or the fluffy Gluten-Free Cheese and Marmite Scones.
Ingredients: Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies
Base Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (vanilla or chocolate)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups add-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts depending on variation)
Flavor Variations
- Classic Chocolate Pudding Cookies
- Vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies
- Chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Funfetti Pudding Cookies
- Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup white chocolate chips + 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles
Serve them alongside drink-based treats like Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail Recipes for a refreshing dessert spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter with brown and white sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Fold in chosen add-ins (chips, nuts, or sprinkles).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Let cookies cool for 2 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro tip: Don’t overbake! These cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle they’ll set as they cool.
Baking Tips for Perfect Pudding Cookies
- Room-temperature butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This creates the ideal fluffy base.
- Scoop evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. Even baking means no dry edges.
- Mix gently: Overmixing dough can make cookies tough. Stir just until combined.
- Watch the oven: Bake until the edges are just turning golden. Overbaking will ruin that signature chewiness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie): Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g (5 g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 2 g
For another crowd-pleasing idea, my Samoa Cheesecake also make a vibrant addition to dessert trays.
Storage and Freezing Guide
One of the best things about pudding cookies is how well they store.
- At room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft much longer than traditional cookies.
- In the fridge: Store for up to 10 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- In the freezer (dough): Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen just add 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- In the freezer (baked): Freeze cooled cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm for 10 seconds in the microwave.
Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies – 3 Ways
Soft and chewy pudding cookies that stay moist and flavorful, with three irresistible variations: Classic Chocolate, Double Chocolate, and Funfetti.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (vanilla or chocolate)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles)
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat butter and both sugars in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Mix in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually stir in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Fold in chosen add-ins.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool 2 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- For Classic Chocolate Pudding Cookies: Use vanilla pudding mix + 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- For Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies: Use chocolate pudding mix + 1 cup semi-sweet and 1 cup white chocolate chips.
- For Funfetti Pudding Cookies: Use vanilla pudding mix + 1 cup white chocolate chips + 1/2 cup sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Flavor Variations to Try
Don’t stop at just three! The base dough works with countless combinations. Try these ideas:
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Vanilla pudding + peanut butter chips + chopped peanuts.
- Holiday Peppermint: Chocolate pudding + white chocolate chips + crushed candy canes.
- Caramel Delight: Butterscotch pudding + caramel bits + pecans.
- Mocha Madness: Chocolate pudding + espresso powder + dark chocolate chunks.
For readers who enjoy dessert twists, you might also love List of cookies, another no-bake classic that’s fun to customize.
Serving Suggestions
Pudding cookies are amazing on their own, but you can take them further:
- With ice cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert.
- Cookie tray mix: Combine different variations on one tray for parties or holidays.
- Dipped in chocolate: Half-dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let set.
- Cookie jars: Layer cookies in a glass jar for a homemade gift.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Flat cookies? Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Try chilling dough briefly before baking.
- Dry cookies? You may have added too much flour. Spoon and level flour instead of scooping.
- Too sweet? Balance by using dark chocolate chips or reducing sugar slightly.
- Not chewy enough? Make sure you’re not overbaking the edges should be golden, but the centers should still look soft.
Frequently Asked Questions: Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies
What role does the dessert mix play in the cookies?
The pudding mix adds both flavor and moisture, creating cookies that stay soft longer than traditional recipes.
Can I use sugar-free dessert mix?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Sugar-free pudding mix still helps with softness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a bag for up to 3 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?
No chilling is required, but you can refrigerate for 30 minutes if you prefer slightly thicker cookies.
Conclusion: Soft and Chewy Pudding Cookies
If you’ve been searching for a cookie recipe that stays soft, chewy, and crowd-pleasing, pudding cookies are the answer. With one base dough and endless possibilities, you’ll never get bored.
Whether you bake the classic chocolate chip version, the indulgent double chocolate, or the festive funfetti batch, these cookies are guaranteed to win smiles.
Once you try this pudding trick, you may never go back to ordinary cookie recipes. Bake them for your family, share them at a party, or keep a stash in the freezer for when the craving hits either way, they’ll be gone faster than you think.