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I started making these Fluffy Holiday Pudding Cookies with Sprinkles by accident during our family's Christmas baking session, and now they're the top request every December. The pudding mix creates this amazing soft texture that has everyone grabbing seconds. When we whip these up, my kitchen transforms into a festive red and green paradise.
The Magic Behind Incredibly Soft Cookies
Adding that pudding mix really works wonders for these cookies. It gives them this unbelievably soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel that can't be beat. The red and green Jello specks make them look totally festive and Christmas-ready. My little ones always fight over who gets to coat them in sprinkles.
Your Ingredient List
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, room temperature, creating a buttery foundation.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup, for just the right sweetness.
- Large Egg: 1, to hold everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adding warmth to the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups, forming your cookie base.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: 1 box (3.4 oz), the secret to that amazing texture.
- Red and Green Jello Mix: 2 tablespoons each, bringing holiday colors and subtle taste.
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon, helping them rise properly.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, cutting through the sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, for bursts of creamy sweetness.
- Christmas Sprinkles: ½ cup, adding that festive touch.
Baking Instructions
- Prep Time
- Start by heating your oven and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Create Your Foundation
- Beat the butter with sugar until fluffy and smooth, then mix in your egg and vanilla.
- Combine Everything
- Fold in all your dry ingredients including the game-changing pudding mix.
- Add Holiday Spirit
- Divide your dough, turning half red and half green, then fold in those pretty sprinkles and white chocolate chips.
- Finish Them Off
- Form into balls and bake until you see just a hint of golden color at the edges.
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Creative Variations
You can try topping them with melted white chocolate or adding bits of crushed candy canes. We've used shaped holiday sprinkles and thrown in some Christmas M&Ms too. There's no end to what you can do with this dough.
Storage Tips
They'll stay soft for several days if you keep them in an airtight container. I usually make extra batches to freeze since they thaw perfectly when unexpected guests drop by during the holidays.
Family Tradition
These cookies have something truly magical about them. It might be their cheerful colors or how they bring the whole family together in the kitchen. Whatever the reason, they've become an essential piece of our Christmas celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does pudding mix work in cookies?
It keeps the cookies moist and soft for longer, adds a chewy texture, and gives a hint of vanilla flavor.
- → Can I make them all one color?
You can! Just use all of the red or green jello powder at once instead of dividing the dough.
- → How do I know they’re baked?
Look for edges that just start to brown, which usually takes 8-10 minutes. Pull them out early to stay soft.
- → What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Seal them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay nice and soft because of the pudding mix.
- → Can I freeze them?
Definitely! Pop them in a container or freezer-safe bag and they'll last up to three months.
Conclusion
These colorful, soft cookies get their texture from vanilla pudding mix and a pop of color from jello powder. Sprinkles and white chocolate chips make them perfect for holiday gatherings.