Are you craving a comforting treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than these Butterscotch Pudding Cookies! These soft, chewy cookies burst with the warm, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch pudding, creating a nostalgic taste that will transport you back to childhood. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. This recipe is a winner for homemade cooking, offering a delightful twist on classic cookies. Get ready to experience the magic of these simple yet unforgettable treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (3.4 ounce) instant butterscotch pudding mix (not the cooked kind)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also use a sturdy hand mixer or even do it by hand (it will just take a bit more elbow grease!).
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for perfectly fluffy cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Pudding Mix
Stir in the instant butterscotch pudding mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pudding mix adds moisture and intensifies the butterscotch flavor.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. You can even chill it overnight for even better results!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious butterscotch pudding cookies warm or at room temperature—they're equally satisfying!
Tips for the Best Butterscotch Pudding Cookies:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will come through in the cookies, so opt for a high-quality brand.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is key for preventing spreading and achieving a thicker, chewier texture.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate butterscotch combination.
- Use different nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Make them mini: Use a smaller cookie scoop to create bite-sized butterscotch pudding cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These Butterscotch Pudding Cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft, chewy texture and rich butterscotch flavor is truly irresistible. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results! They're sure to become a new favorite in your recipe book of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.