Introduction

The Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that combines the comforting flavors of vanilla with a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of vanilla pudding mix, which helps to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The holidays are all about indulgence and joy, and these cookies are the perfect way to bring cheer to your celebrations. With their festive appearance and irresistible taste, they are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fireplace.

What makes these vanilla pudding cookies stand out is their incredibly soft and tender texture, achieved by using instant vanilla pudding mix in the dough. The pudding mix not only enhances the vanilla flavor but also ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy for days. The addition of festive mix-ins such as colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips makes these cookies the ideal choice for your Christmas cookie tray. They’re also incredibly easy to make, meaning you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to bake up a batch of these festive delights.

In this guide, we will walk you through each step of making Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies, with tips for achieving the perfect cookie consistency and ways to customize them to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies

Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious.
Vanilla Flavor: The addition of vanilla pudding mix gives these cookies a rich, comforting vanilla flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Customizable: You can easily change up the mix-ins to fit your preferences, such as adding holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them an easy choice for last-minute holiday baking.
Perfect for Holiday Cookie Exchanges: Their festive appearance and mouthwatering taste make them a great choice for cookie exchanges or holiday parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and baking time)
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Servings: 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 100-120 calories per cookie, depending on the size and specific ingredients used.

Calories: 100-120 kcal
Fat: 6-8g
Carbohydrates: 12-14g
Protein: 1-2g

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g)
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 package (3.4 oz / 96g)
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (225g), softened
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g)
Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g), packed
Eggs: 2 large eggs
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Mini Chocolate Chips: ½ cup (optional)
Christmas Sprinkles: ¼ cup (optional)
White Chocolate Chips: ½ cup (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add in the 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix and stir to combine. Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the soft and chewy texture of the cookies.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Add Optional Mix-ins

If you’d like to include any mix-ins such as mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or colorful Christmas sprinkles, fold them into the dough at this point. Gently stir to distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the dough.

Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can gently roll them in your hands to form smooth balls if desired.

Flatten the Dough

Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This helps the cookies spread evenly while baking and ensures they cook uniformly.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft to the touch when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while still warm.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cookies have cooled, they’re ready to be served! These Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the season. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: Be sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter can make the dough difficult to work with and affect the final texture of your cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can cause your cookies to be dense and tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want to prevent the cookies from spreading too much, you can chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This step is optional but can help the cookies hold their shape better.
Customize the Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins based on your preferences. For example, you could add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Don’t overbake them, as this will result in crispy cookies rather than soft, chewy ones.
Allow Cookies to Cool on the Sheets: After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still hot.
Store Properly: Store these cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They also freeze well, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Variations of Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies

While these cookies are delicious in their classic form, there are several fun variations you can try to mix things up:

Chocolate Chip Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies: For an extra chocolatey twist, add 1 cup of regular or mini chocolate chips to the dough. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the vanilla flavor of the pudding.
Peppermint Vanilla Pudding Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Nutty Vanilla Pudding Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch that complements the soft texture of the cookie.
White Chocolate Cranberry Vanilla Pudding Cookies: Swap out some of the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. The tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the vanilla and white chocolate.
Eggnog Vanilla Pudding Cookies: Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for an eggnog-inspired flavor. You could even drizzle the cooled cookies with a bit of eggnog glaze for an extra festive touch.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies

These cookies are a great standalone treat, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Here are some great options to complement the flavor of the cookies:

Hot Chocolate: Nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate paired with a batch of soft, chewy cookies. For an extra special touch, top the hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.
Coffee or Tea: A rich cup of coffee or a fragrant holiday tea complements the vanilla flavor of the cookies and creates the perfect cozy snack time.
Milk: For the classic cookie-and-milk combination, serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk. It’s a simple, nostalgic pairing that everyone loves.
Fruit Salad: For a lighter, refreshing side dish, serve these cookies with a seasonal fruit salad made with oranges, apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds. The freshness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Plate: A cheese platter with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can be a savory contrast to the sweet cookies. Add some crackers, nuts, and fresh fruits to complete the platter.

Conclusion

The Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies are an easy-to-make, flavorful treat that will become a holiday favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon with family, these cookies are sure to bring joy to every occasion. The soft, chewy texture and the comforting vanilla flavor make them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can create a batch of cookies that will fill your home with warmth and holiday cheer.

Don’t forget to experiment with different add-ins and variations to create your own signature version of these delicious cookies. Whether you enjoy them as is or customize them with festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes, these Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies are bound to become a beloved treat for years to come. Happy baking, and enjoy the holiday season!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Christmas Vanilla Pudding Cookies

Preparation and Cooking Time