It’s Valentine’s Day so I’m pretty sure that means that I should be alternating between napping and eating chocolate all day, right? Isn’t that what true love is about?
My kids aren’t allowing me to nap, but they can’t stop me from eating chocolate. I decided that today called for good old chocolate chip cookies, but not just any chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are special. They have a secret ingredient that makes them fat and fluffy and delicious and beautiful.
The secret ingredient is just a small box of instant vanilla pudding powder. Crazy, I know, but it does amazing things to cookies.
The only problem with making these for your Valentine is you won’t be able to sneak in any kisses. You’ll be too busy shoveling cookies in your mouth.
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
adapted from allrecipes.com
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur’s white whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla. Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt, and slowly mix that into the butter mixture until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls (I use a cookie dough scoop) onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes.
Cody says
Cool secret ingredient… I’ve heard of using pudding in cakes, but I hadn’t thought of using it in cookies. Now I’m curious.
Anna says
Oh, yes! The vanilla pudding recipe is my husband’s favorite. Although, I have to say that we use milk chocolate chips for this one. I think it fits the sweetness of the cookie a little better than semi-sweet.
Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes says
Oh pudding! I’ve never thought of adding pudding to chocolate chip cookie dough. That is an awesome idea and I will definitely try it the next time I crave choc. chip cookies. 🙂
grace says
instant pudding mix does wonderful things for cakes, too–i think it definitely adds a moist factor. lovely cookies, and here’s hoping you were able to sate both your chocolate and kiss cravings. 🙂
Barbara says
Good heavens! That IS a surprise ingredient! I’ve used vanilla pudding in cakes but never cookies. I assume from what you say (and the photos) that it makes them moist and fluffy. Can’t wait to try this!
shelly (cookies and cups) says
Great tip! I will have to try this 🙂
Carla Wells says
Interesting. I’d never thought or heard of using pudding mix in cookies! I’ll have to try that!
Maria says
The cookies look very tasty!
Jenn says
I got this recipe from the newspaper a few years ago. If you think its good with vanilla pudding, try butterscotch pudding! AMAZING!!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) says
These are some of my favorite cookies!! And the dough is FABulous!! 🙂 Great pictures!
Mikael says
I just made these and everybody finds them fabulous and wonders if I really baked them. I haven’t successfully baked cookies my entire life, I’m a 20 year old male.. Follow the recipe and don’t forget to soften the butter.. hehe
Megan says
I love all your photos! These cookies sound absolutely delicious. I can’t wit to try them 🙂
Mandy (Mandy's Recipe Box) says
These are absolutely calling my name!
Michele says
I made them and they are yummy! But the dough might be better than the baked cookies, just saying. My daughter does not like icing, so she always has cookies for her birthday, and this year we are doing these. YUM!
I made a “sample” batch to take to work and they were inhaled. Thank you!
I want to make some donuts, but need a donut cutter, so I put it on my wish list.
Wendy says
These cookies are amazing! I’ve made them twice now and my family loves them! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!
Polly says
These are the best cookies! I’ve made them on two different occasions, and everybody loved them. Thank you for posting this.
Kat says
The dough is great!
Melissa says
I second what Jenn said – vanilla is good, but butterscotch pudding is awesome.
food Processor says
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get
the hang of it!