There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked cookie with a perfectly soft and chewy center. These White Chocolate Chip M&M Pudding Cookies take classic flavors to the next level with the addition of vanilla pudding mix, making them extra tender and irresistible. The combination of white chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to every bite.
Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to love. Whether enjoyed warm with a glass of milk or packed in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise, these pudding cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and M&M’s.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
History and Origin of Pudding Cookies
Pudding cookies have been a favorite among home bakers for decades. The secret ingredient—instant pudding mix—was introduced into baking in the mid-20th century when boxed pudding became a pantry staple. Bakers soon discovered that adding pudding mix to cookie dough resulted in softer, chewier cookies that stayed fresh for longer. This innovation transformed traditional chocolate chip cookies into a more tender and flavorful treat, making pudding cookies a favorite in American households.
Why Use Pudding Mix in Cookies?
The magic of pudding mix lies in its ability to retain moisture and enhance the texture of baked goods. The cornstarch and other stabilizers in instant pudding mix create a soft and chewy consistency, preventing the cookies from drying out. In this recipe, vanilla pudding mix not only improves the texture but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the white chocolate chips and M&M’s.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The pudding mix ensures a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Perfectly Sweet Flavor: White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness, while M&M’s bring a candy-coated crunch.
- Vibrant and Fun: These cookies are a colorful and festive treat, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday snacking.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and no chilling required, these cookies come together quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Want to customize your cookies? Here are some fun variations:
- Swap the pudding flavor: Use chocolate, butterscotch, or caramel pudding mix for a new twist.
- Try different M&M’s: Use peanut, crispy, or peanut butter M&M’s for added crunch and flavor.
- Mix in nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture.
- Make them festive: Use seasonal M&M’s for holiday-themed cookies (red & green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.).
- Use dark chocolate: Replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
What Makes These Cookies Unique?
The secret to these ultra-soft cookies is the instant vanilla pudding mix. It acts as a moisture-locking ingredient, making the cookies chewy and tender, while also adding a light vanilla flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Soft and Chewy Texture – Thanks to the pudding mix, these cookies stay soft for days.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – A fun and colorful treat, ideal for birthdays, holidays, or bake sales.
✅ Quick and Easy to Make – No chilling required, and ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Customizable – Swap the M&M’s for any seasonal variety to match special occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Roles
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups) – Provides structure and gives the cookies a soft but sturdy texture.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (1 package, 3.4 oz) – Adds moisture and enhances the chewiness of the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – Creates a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed) – Adds depth of flavor and enhances chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup) – Sweetens and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
- Eggs (2 large) – Acts as a binding agent, adding structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
Mix-ins:
- White Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Provides a creamy, sweet contrast to the colorful M&M’s.
- M&M’s (1 cup, any variety) – Adds crunch, color, and extra chocolatey goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. This process incorporates air, giving the cookies a light texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips & M&M’s
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and M&M’s, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop & Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Baking Tips for the Best Cookies
💡 Use Softened Butter – Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
💡 Don’t Overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle when you take them out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
💡 Press Extra M&M’s on Top – Right before baking, press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of the dough balls for a picture-perfect look.
💡 Chill Dough for Extra Thick Cookies – If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
💡 Experiment with Mix-ins – Try peanut butter M&M’s, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips for variety!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
To Store:
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For extra softness, place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
To Freeze Cookie Dough:
- Scoop dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Bake straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 2 minutes.
To Freeze Baked Cookies:
- Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Perfect Pairings
🍶 With a Glass of Milk – A classic combo that enhances the richness of the cookies.
🍵 With Hot Cocoa – A cozy winter treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
🍦 As an Ice Cream Sandwich – Use two cookies with vanilla or caramel ice cream in between!
🎁 As a Gift Idea – Package in a cute tin or jar for birthdays or holidays.
Fun Facts About M&M’s and White Chocolate
🌈 M&M’s were created in 1941 for soldiers, as their candy shell prevented them from melting in warm conditions.
🍫 White chocolate isn’t technically chocolate because it lacks cocoa solids—it’s made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without pudding mix?
Yes, but the texture will be different. You can substitute with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to help keep the cookies soft.
Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate, butterscotch, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding mix can give these cookies a unique twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend for the best results.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Chip M&M Pudding Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday cookie exchange, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy recipe will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!