If you adore the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough but want a creamy, spoonable treat instead of biting into raw dough, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe is your ticket to dessert heaven. This dessert combines the rich, velvety texture of classic pudding with the irresistible taste of cookie dough loaded with melty chocolate chips. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and comforting, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick homemade dessert or looking to impress guests with something unique and delicious, this recipe delivers all the joy of cookie dough and pudding in a single, dreamy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this pudding. Each one plays a role in building that luscious body, creamy mouthfeel, or classic cookie dough flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy base that’s crucial for smooth pudding consistency.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and velvety texture to make the pudding extra indulgent.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps with that silky finish.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the pudding that perfect custard-like hold.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the pudding, intensifying the dessert’s aroma.
- Unsalted butter: Infuses a buttery richness much like in classic cookie dough.
- Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and mimics that soft cookie dough sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips: Deliver pockets of melty chocolate joy throughout the pudding.
- All-purpose flour (heat-treated): Helps replicate cookie dough texture safely and gives that subtle graininess you expect in cookie dough.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Heat the milk and cream
Start by combining whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan and gently heat over medium without letting it boil. You want it to softly simmer, which builds the creamy base for your pudding without scorching the dairy. Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly and gets that lovely warm foundation going.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
While the milk heats, whisk granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a separate bowl. This dry mixture is what will thicken your pudding perfectly and balance the sweet with a hint of saltiness. Mixing them first makes adding them to your milk smoother and lump-free.
Step 3: Combine the mixtures
Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into your warm milk and cream mixture, stirring constantly. This step is key to avoiding lumps and creating a perfectly smooth pudding. Keep stirring for about 4 to 5 minutes until the pudding thickens and resembles a custard, rich and creamy.
Step 4: Add butter, vanilla, and flour
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and heat-treated flour. The butter adds that luscious richness, the vanilla deepens the flavor, and the flour is the secret to safely mimicking cookie dough texture. Heat-treating the flour is important, so be sure to microwave it for a minute or bake it briefly before using.
Step 5: Add the cookie dough flavor
Fold in brown sugar and chocolate chips gently. The brown sugar gives the pudding its signature cookie dough sweetness, while the chocolate chips create bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite. This step turns your pudding into the perfect cookie dough-inspired treat you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 6: Chill the pudding
Transfer your pudding into serving dishes or a bowl, let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to set to the ideal creamy, spoonable consistency.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Once chilled thoroughly, your Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe is ready to serve. Top with a few extra chocolate chips or a light sprinkle of brown sugar for an attractive finishing touch that adds a little texture and visual appeal.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple yet delightful by topping the pudding with mini chocolate chips, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even crushed cookies for an extra crunch. Whipped cream swirled on top adds softness and decadence, elevating the experience even more. Sprinkles or edible gold stars can add a festive touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or slices of ripe banana to add brightness and contrast. For a cozy night in, serve with warm milk or a light cup of coffee to balance the dessert’s sweetness. If you want a more substantial finish, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome partner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the pudding with crumbled chocolate chip cookies in parfait glasses to create a no-bake trifle effect. Another idea is to pipe the pudding into small mason jars for individual servings at a party. You could even freeze dollops to make pudding pops for a chilly treat that still packs the classic cookie dough flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered so it maintains its creamy texture and fresh flavor. It’s always best enjoyed within a few days to savor it at its very best.
Freezing
Freezing pudding can sometimes alter its texture, but if needed, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving. The cookie dough flavor will still shine, though the pudding may be slightly less silky after thawing.
Reheating
This pudding is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer a warm dessert, try gently warming a small portion in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to cook the pudding further or it may separate. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled for the perfect creamy experience.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk or milk alternatives?
While whole milk and heavy cream provide the ideal creamy texture, you can substitute with low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives, but the pudding may be less rich and thick. Adjusting the cornstarch amount might help if the texture feels too thin.
Why do I need to heat-treat the flour?
Heat-treating the flour ensures it’s safe to eat raw by killing any bacteria that could be present. It won’t change the flavor much but is an important safety step when using flour in no-bake or lightly cooked dishes like this pudding.
Can I make this pudding ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This pudding actually benefits from chilling time, which helps the flavors meld perfectly. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! Regular chocolate chips chopped into small pieces work just as well and melt deliciously throughout the pudding. Alternatively, chocolate chunks or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar can add a unique touch.
Is this recipe safe to eat for kids?
Yes, as long as you heat-treat the flour properly and cook the pudding base, this recipe is safe and perfect for kids to enjoy. It’s a delicious way to enjoy cookie dough flavor without raw eggs or unheated flour.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. It captures that perfect cookie dough taste in a creamy, dreamy pudding form that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether it’s a cozy night treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, you’ll love how it hits all the right comforting, sweet notes. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding combines creamy custard-like pudding with the nostalgic flavors of cookie dough, featuring melty chocolate chips and brown sugar for a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for chilling.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips, chopped)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated*)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer (but not boil). Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t scald.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the milk and cream mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pudding thickens to a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- Add butter, vanilla, and flour: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and the heat-treated flour. Make sure to heat-treat the flour beforehand to eliminate bacteria by microwaving for 1-2 minutes or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cookie dough flavor: Fold in the brown sugar and chocolate chips gently until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the pudding mixture, enhancing the cookie dough flavor.
- Chill the pudding: Transfer the pudding into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled for optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Serve: Once fully chilled, serve the pudding topped with additional chocolate chips or a sprinkle of brown sugar, if desired. Enjoy this creamy, cookie dough-inspired treat!
Notes
- Heat-treat the flour by microwaving it for 1-2 minutes or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to eliminate bacteria from raw flour.
- Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution, but regular chopped chocolate chips work as well.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to taste.
- For a richer pudding, use full-fat dairy as stated, or reduce heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dessert vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based milk and butter alternatives and ensure vegan chocolate chips are used.
