M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s bursting with vibrant color, chewy texture, and a burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite, then you absolutely must try the M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the classic chocolate chip cookie with the fun crunch and splash of colors from mini M&Ms, all while sneaking in some vanilla pudding mix that adds incredible moistness and a tender crumb. From the first bite, you’ll know these are far from ordinary cookies—they’re the perfect sweet treat that brings smiles to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making these delightful cookies. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s enriching the flavor, enhancing the texture, or bringing a pop of color to these irresistible morsels.

• Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookie tender and flavorful.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes to the perfect golden-brown color and crunch.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and taste with a warm sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone that holds everything together.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 ounces): Secret ingredient that keeps the cookies soft, moist, and wonderfully chewy.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• Chocolate chips (1 cup): Provides melty pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
• Mini M&M candies (1 cup): Adds a fun crunch and vibrant color, making these cookies as lively to look at as they are to eat.

How to Make M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This step is all about making sure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for easy cleanup and perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures the sugars incorporate properly, creating a fluffy texture that’s key for the perfect cookie crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds richness and infuses your cookie dough with that lovely warm scent that will fill your kitchen shortly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, vanilla pudding mix, and baking soda. This dry mixture adds the structure and the unique softness pudding brings to these cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry into Wet

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, about a cup at a time, mixing just until combined. The dough will have a thicker, chunkier consistency—don’t worry, that’s exactly right!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Gently mix in the chocolate chips and mini M&Ms using a wooden spoon or on low mixer speed. This way, you keep the integrity of the candy shells while spreading those delightful bursts of chocolate evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Flatten

Scoop out roughly 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart for spreading. Press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top, then gently flatten each ball slightly. This gives them a charming homemade look and helps them bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 12 minutes, rotating the pans after around 7 minutes to get even browning. You’re looking for cookies that are just starting to turn a very light brown on top and only barely crackling—a sign they’re perfectly chewy inside.

Step 9: Cool or Enjoy Warm

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheets if you like them a bit firm, or dive in right away while they’re still warm and gooey. Either way, these cookies are deliciously irresistible.

How to Serve M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a playful presentation, you can add a few more mini M&Ms on top right after baking to highlight those bright colors. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, or for something special, serve them alongside a cup of creamy hot chocolate or vanilla ice cream to amplify that indulgent, cozy feeling.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the cookies in a clear jar to showcase their rainbow M&Ms or sandwiching them with frosting or Nutella for a fun twist. They also make fantastic edible gifts when wrapped up in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their chewiness and keeps the M&M colors vibrant and inviting.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 3 months, so you always have a sweet stash on hand.

Reheating

Warm up frozen or stored cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or a few minutes in a 300°F oven to bring back that soft, just-baked texture that makes this M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe so addictive.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix with chocolate pudding mix?

Absolutely! Using chocolate pudding mix will give your cookies a richer chocolate flavor and make them even more decadent, perfect if you’re a chocolate lover.

What if I don’t have mini M&Ms? Can I use regular-sized ones?

You can, but keep in mind that mini M&Ms distribute more evenly and give a better bite-sized pop of color. If using regular ones, you might want to chop them slightly or use fewer so they don’t overpower the cookies.

Why is pudding mix added to cookies?

Vanilla pudding mix helps keep cookies moist and wonderfully chewy longer than traditional recipes. It adds a subtle flavor and a tender texture you won’t want to miss.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. The pudding mix should also be checked for gluten content.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent too much spreading. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted when mixing as that can cause excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so joyful about the M&M Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout in any cookie lineup. From its chewy texture to the burst of colorful crunch, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for celebrations or a simple indulgent treat. Trust me, once you’ve baked these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So grab your ingredients, get mixing, and let the baking adventures begin!

Print