M\&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding Recipe

If you love chewy cookies packed with color, you’re in for a real treat with these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding! This recipe takes classic favorites—soft chocolate chip cookies and vibrant M&M candies—and dials up the fun and flavor with a secret ingredient: instant vanilla pudding mix. The result is a batch of ultra-soft, bakery-style cookies with melty chocolate chips and pops of candy color in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, you’ll find these cookies as reliable as they are irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these cookies is that every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, from achieving that sought-after chew to delivering the iconic pops of color. Rely on these essentials for cookies that never disappoint.

• All-purpose flour: Gives structure for that perfectly tender crumb without being too dense.
• Baking soda: Lifts the cookies just enough so the centers stay soft and pillowy.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix (dry): The secret to extra-moist, chewy cookies and a subtle vanilla boost.
• Unsalted butter (softened): For rich, buttery flavor and a classic cookie texture.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create those perfectly crisp edges.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together, while creating richness and lift.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a warm, aromatic finish.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate in every bite provides classic comfort.
• M&M’s (plus extra for topping): Adds crunch, color, and a playful surprise in every cookie.

How to Make M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully heated for an even bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this way, your cookies won’t stick, and cleanup will be a snap. It’s a simple step that always pays off!

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. The pudding mix is what makes these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding so incredibly soft and chewy, so don’t skip this special addition!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step adds just the right amount of air, making your cookies soft but not cakey. Creaming is key to that classic bakery finish.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in your eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract—it’s a small touch, but it makes all the flavors shine in these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Take your time here, scraping the bowl as needed to make sure everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so gentle folding is the way to go.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Gently stir in your chocolate chips and M&M’s. This is the fun part—those bursts of chocolate and colorful candy set these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding apart from the rest!

Step 7: Scoop and Decorate

Use a tablespoon (or cookie scoop) to portion out cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading. For that irresistible bakery look, press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of each dough ball before baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for edges that turn lightly golden, while the centers still look just slightly underbaked. This ensures your M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding come out soft every time.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them just enough time to finish setting but still stay wonderfully chewy.

How to Serve M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or a touch of flaky sea salt on top of your cookies right after baking for a festive and bakery-inspired look. The added pop of color or that final savory touch can make your cookies even more eye-catching and delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort. These also go beautifully with ice-cold vanilla milkshakes, especially at parties or summer gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in clear gift bags tied with bright ribbons or arrange them on a colorful platter for birthdays and celebrations. For holidays, use seasonal M&M’s colors and nestle the cookies in a basket lined with tissue paper. They look as joyful as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days—just be sure to keep them well sealed so they don’t dry out!

Freezing

These cookies are freezer-friendly whether baked or unbaked. You can freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then store them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well, too; just let them cool completely first!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked taste, warm chilled or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. It revives the chocolate chips and gives the cookies a fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?

Absolutely! Vanilla adds a wonderful classic flavor, but you can experiment with chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for a fun twist. Just be aware that different flavors will change the overall taste profile of your M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding.

What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough evenly, and don’t forget to shape each dough ball gently before baking. Pressing extra M&M’s onto the tops before baking also helps the cookies spread and keeps them round and bakery-worthy.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a delicious addition to these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding. Add about a half-cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips and M&M’s for added crunch and flavor.

How do I keep the cookies soft for days?

The vanilla pudding mix works wonders in keeping them soft, but storing the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of sandwich bread will help lock in moisture even longer. The cookies stay chewy while the bread keeps them from drying out.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Chilled dough can even lead to thicker cookies with deeper flavor—a win-win!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking a batch of M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pudding—the colors, the oozy chocolate, and that unforgettable chewy texture never fail to bring smiles. Gather your favorite people, grab your mixing bowl, and enjoy sharing these vibrant, nostalgic cookies. You’re going to love every soft, colorful bite!

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