This is the chocolate chip cookie recipe I have been making my whole life. They are simple, chewy and flavorful. Always a staple at family gatherings — Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious, simple, cookie recipe that are soft, chewy and delicious!
this recipe was updated on 11/14/25 with new photos, updated bake time (lower temp to 350 F and 11-13 min vs. 375 F–this helps bake more evenly and prevent browning).
Pudding cookies are my favorite!
Something about vanilla pudding make the cookies deliciously chewy and the best taste! I took this recipe as a 4-H Food & Nutrition project back in the day, probably as a little Cloverkid. Since then, I have experimented with many other cookie recipes but this one has always been my favorite. It is my grandmothers recipe, and originated on page 101 of an old church cookbook that is definitely older than me. The best recipes come from grandmas and old church cookbooks!
Ingredients in Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2-1/4 Cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pkg vanilla pudding mix instant
- 2 eggs
- 1 12 oz package chocolate chips
Why Vanilla Pudding in Cookies?
Vanilla pudding in chocolate chip cookies help the cookies from spreading too much (cornstarch in the mix) and keep the softer longer. It also adds better flavor and just guarantees a thick bakery-style cookie.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cookies
More details in full recipe below
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375 degrees, prep cookie sheet with spray or parchment paper
- Mix dry ingredients
Mix your dry ingredients together and set aside.
- Wet Ingredients
Cream together the butter and sugars. Then add eggs, vanilla.
- Combine
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix. Fold in chocolate chips. If you have time, let the batter chill for 30-60 minutes.
- Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookies are done.
Common FAQs
It will add moisture and makes the cookies extra soft and chewy. It will give them a richer flavor. It also prevents extra spreading because of the cornstarch in the pudding mix.
Instant vanilla pudding. You can use plain “vanilla” or “French Vanilla” pudding mix. I like the french vanilla, but either is fine.
No, I have not tried it and based on a quick search result it doesn’t appear to be recommended.
No, simply pour the mix into the dry ingredients as is.
They do not, but it doesn’t hurt to do it. Feel free to chill for 30-60 minutes for a more improved chewy texture.
Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Or freeze them in freezer container for up to 2 months.
Absolutely! Make the dough and store in fridge for 1 day. Or, prep the dough, form into balls and freeze on sheet pan. Then transfer to freezer bag. Just pop in oven from frozen, but add 1-2 minutes of bake time.
This usually happens if butter was too soft or melted. To prevent this, chill dough.
I don’t recommend. The chilling prevents spreading, makes the cookies thick and puffy, and provides better flavor because the butter and sugar have time to set in.
Make sure to enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk!
My favorite way to enjoy a cookie is dipped in a glass of milk. Plus, milk is healthy for you..so makes the cookie not-so-bad…right? Milk is filled with essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, protein, and more that our bodies need. Find out more about the nutritional benefits of dairy products at Midwest Dairy Association.
More dessert recipes
If you like chocolate chip cookies, you will love these gooey chocolate chip cookie bars!
Cowboy Cookies with white chocolate and cinnamon
Check out all of my dessert recipes.
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I hope you love these simple, Vanilla Pudding Cookies! – Bobbi Jo
Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies- simple
Equipment
- 1 Mixer
- measuring utensils and spatula
- cookie sheet
- medium sized bowl
Ingredients
- 2-1/4 Cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup butter, softened or shortening
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pkg vanilla pudding mix instant. I like French vanilla but either works.
- 2 eggs
- 1 12 oz package chocolate chips 2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Whisk flour and baking soda together in bowl.2-1/4 Cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda
- Cream together softened butter, sugars and vanilla. Then add the vanilla pudding and eggs.1 cup butter, softened, 1/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 pkg vanilla pudding mix, 2 eggs
- Add the flour and soda mixture to the wet ingredients. (Batter will be stiff). Then hand mix in the chocolate chips.2-1/4 Cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 12 oz package chocolate chips
- Chill dough for 30-60 minutes for an extra chewy texture (optional)
- Roll 2 tbsp size balls of dough on greased cookie sheets. Or use a cookie scoop. Bake at 350 F for 11-13 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
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The perfect chocolate chip cookie!!
These have become a family favorite. Soft but stay in shape well, not too flat.