Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something enchanting about the combination of mint and chocolate, especially when it’s nestled within a soft, chewy cookie. If you’re a fan of unique flavors and textures, then these Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies will steal your heart. With the addition of instant vanilla pudding mix, each bite is packed with a delightful creaminess that you won’t be able to resist. Perfect for holidays or just a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! The pudding mix adds a rich texture that keeps the cookies moist and fluffy, while the mint and chocolate combination offers a refreshing twist. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Unique Texture: The pudding mix creates a tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Flavor Explosion: The mint and chocolate are a match made in heaven, perfect for any mint lover.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
- Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive celebrations.
Shopping List
Before diving into the baking, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
- 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 drops mint green gel food coloring (optional)
- 1 drop peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks (milk or dark chocolate)
Hardware & Gadgets
Getting your kitchen ready is crucial for a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixer: A stand or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugars.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Baking Sheet: To place your cookie dough for baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
The Method for Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that you have everything ready, let’s bake some cookies! Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold unsalted butter, white sugar, and light brown sugar. Use your mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), instant vanilla pudding mix, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Mint and Chocolate
If you choose to use the mint green gel food coloring, add it now along with the peppermint extract. Stir gently. Then fold in the chocolate chips and chunks until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
For the best texture, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much when baking.
Step 7: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round! Here are some ideas for seasonal spins:
- Winter: Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.
- Summer: Serve them chilled, with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream on top.
- Spring: Use fresh mint leaves instead of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Fall: Incorporate a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor profile.
Little Things that Matter
When baking Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, a few small details can make a big difference in the outcome:
- Ensure your butter is cold for the perfect texture.
- Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
- Chilling the dough is key to prevent spreading and achieving a thick cookie.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes for easy removal and cleanup!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To maintain the freshness of your Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 flour if needed. The cookies will still turn out delicious and chewy.
What can I substitute if I don’t have mint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can simply omit it, or use a bit more vanilla extract for flavor. The mint green food coloring can still give a minty look without the taste.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft cookies.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make these cookies dairy-free, replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.
Bring It to the Table
These Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as they quickly disappear. Their inviting aroma, vibrant color, and delightful taste will impress your family and friends alike. Whether you’re savoring them with a cup of hot cocoa or packing them for lunch, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
Pudding Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the cold unsalted butter, white sugar, and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Add the mint green gel food coloring and peppermint extract if using, then fold in the chocolate chips and chunks until evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for the best texture and to prevent spreading.
- Use cold butter for the perfect cookie consistency.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
