M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Introduction

M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are a fun and colorful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the irresistible combination of M&M candies and chocolate chips. The addition of instant vanilla pudding mix makes these cookies extra soft and gives them a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, school bake sale, or just for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are sure to be a hit. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Perfect for:

• Birthday parties
• Family movie nights
• After-school snacks
• Holiday baking
• Dessert platters for gatherings
• Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Here’s why M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies will quickly become your new favorite cookie recipe:

• Extra Soft Texture: The secret ingredient here is the instant vanilla pudding mix, which creates a tender and soft texture that’s hard to beat.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of M&Ms and chocolate chips gives you the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and melty in every bite.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies in under an hour.
• Colorful and Fun: The M&M candies bring vibrant colors to each cookie, making them both delicious and visually appealing—perfect for parties or special occasions.
• Customizable: You can add or swap out ingredients to personalize your cookies, whether it’s using dark chocolate chips, adding a sprinkle of sea salt, or trying different flavors of pudding.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these vibrant and delicious M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups M&M candies
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)

Ingredient Highlights

• Instant Pudding Mix: The instant vanilla pudding mix adds moisture to the cookies, keeping them soft and chewy even after they cool.
• Butter: Butter creates a rich flavor and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of brown and granulated sugar provides both moisture and sweetness, while the brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor.
• M&M Candies: The colorful M&Ms add a playful, crunchy texture and extra sweetness to each cookie.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips bring an indulgent richness and melt beautifully into the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should look pale and smooth.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the vanilla pudding mix. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Add the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips:

6. Fold in the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the M&M candies and chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula or spoon. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft. Keep an eye on the cookies as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want them to overbake.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cut and Serve:

10. Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies! They can be served as a sweet treat on their own, or paired with milk or coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

How to Serve M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

• With Milk: A classic pairing, enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat.
• As Dessert Bars: Arrange the cookies on a large platter with other treats like brownies or blondies to create a dessert bar for parties.
• Cookie Sandwiches: For an indulgent twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two M&M cookies for a fun and colorful ice cream sandwich.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top, and drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra decadent dessert.

Additional Tips for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Here are some tips to help you get the best results when making M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This ensures the dough will mix together smoothly.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker, less spread-out cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
• Bake in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, bake the cookies in two or more batches to ensure they bake evenly without crowding the pan.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies toward the end of the baking time. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Recipe Variations for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Here are some fun variations you can try to switch things up with M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies:

1. Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a delicious peanut butter twist.
2. Oatmeal M&M Cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a hearty texture and extra flavor.
3. Mint M&M Cookies: Use mint M&Ms instead of regular M&Ms for a minty, refreshing flavor.
4. Caramel M&M Cookies: Add caramel bits or use caramel-flavored pudding mix for an extra rich and indulgent cookie.
5. White Chocolate M&M Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamy version of these cookies.
6. Coconut M&M Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flair.
7. Dark Chocolate M&M Cookies: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet to make these cookies more indulgent and rich.
8. Cinnamon M&M Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
9. S’mores M&M Cookies: Add graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows to the dough for a fun s’mores-inspired twist.
10. Espresso M&M Cookies: Stir in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee-flavored cookie that pairs well with chocolate.

Freezing and Storage for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough to bake fresh cookies later. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh for several days.

Special Equipment for M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Here’s a list of special equipment that might help make your cookie-making process easier:

• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all the cookies are the same size for even baking.
• Electric Mixer: While a hand mixer works, an electric mixer speeds up the creaming process.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is essential for letting the cookies cool evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of ingredients for perfect cookies.

FAQ Section about M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

1. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
   Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix like butterscotch, chocolate, or even pistachio for a unique twist on the cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. Be sure to check that the pudding mix you’re using is also dairy-free.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies are done when the edges are golden, but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version, but the texture may be slightly denser.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

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Conclusion of M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, offering a delightful blend of chocolate, candy, and soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet snack, these cookies will satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Easy to make, customizable, and simply irresistible, they’ll quickly become your go-to cookie recipe. Enjoy!