Chocolate Soft Fudgy Pudding Cookies

Chocolate Soft Fudgy Pudding Cookies are rich, ultra-soft, and intensely chocolaty cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with instant pudding mix, these cookies are thick, chewy, and irresistibly fudgy—like the perfect cross between a brownie and a cookie. They’re a chocolate lover’s dream and a must-have for any cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are ridiculously easy to make and incredibly decadent. The secret ingredient—chocolate pudding mix—adds moisture and softness, resulting in a tender, brownie-like cookie with deep chocolate flavor. They don’t require chilling and bake up thick and chewy every time. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate craving.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Instant chocolate pudding mix (not prepared, just the dry mix)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add espresso powder: A teaspoon intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Mix up the chips: Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
• Stuff with caramel or peanut butter: Add a small piece in the center for a gooey surprise.
• Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and complement the rich chocolate.
• Holiday version: Add crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles to the dough.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container.

To reheat, microwave a cookie for 5–10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Cookies can be frozen (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked dough, scoop into balls first and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

FAQs

Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?

No, this recipe specifically requires instant pudding mix. Cook-and-serve pudding will not produce the same texture.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Nope! One of the best parts of this recipe is that the dough can be baked right away.

Why are my cookies too flat?

Be sure your butter isn’t overly soft or melted, and measure the flour correctly. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, the dough or baked cookies can be stored in advance. Unbaked dough balls can also be frozen for later use.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches.

Can I use sugar-free pudding?

Yes, though the texture might be slightly different. The cookies will still turn out soft and fudgy.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best, but you can use Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

They should look set around the edges and slightly soft in the middle. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue cooking on the sheet.

Can I add extra chocolate chips?

Definitely! Up to 2 cups total will still bake well for extra fudgy results.

Conclusion

Chocolate Soft Fudgy Pudding Cookies are a rich, indulgent treat with unbeatable texture and deep chocolate flavor. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from casual snacking to holiday baking. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a permanent favorite in your cookie rotation.

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