Craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this incredible Chocolate Cookie Pudding! Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this recipe delivers a rich, chocolatey treat that's ready in minutes. It's the perfect quick dinner idea companion or a satisfying end to any day. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels, making it a fantastic addition to your best recipes collection. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly delicious this pudding is!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind works, but whole milk is richest)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, roughly crushed (more for topping, if desired)
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps.
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Heat the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming.
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Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and the sugar is fully dissolved. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Melt the Butter: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it's completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine with Cookies: Add the crushed chocolate cookies to the warm chocolate mixture and stir gently to combine. Don't overmix; a few whole cookie pieces are delightful!
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Serve Immediately or Chill: Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes. You can serve it warm, straight away, for a gooey treat or chill it in the refrigerator for a cooler, firmer consistency. Top with extra crushed cookies for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cookie Pudding:
- Cookie Choice: Feel free to experiment with different chocolate sandwich cookies. The richer the cookie, the richer the pudding!
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your preference. If your cookies are already very sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Milk Alternatives: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used as substitutes for dairy milk. However, the taste and texture might vary slightly.
- Make it Festive: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. A dash of espresso powder adds a sophisticated coffee note.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the mixture along with the butter for a delicious twist.
- Mint Chocolate Pudding: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract for a refreshing flavor.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Pudding: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished pudding for an extra layer of indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of cookies and milk used. For a rough estimate using whole milk and average chocolate sandwich cookies, one serving could contain approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This healthy yet delicious Chocolate Cookie Pudding is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes. Enjoy this simple, homemade cooking masterpiece! It's sure to become one of your best recipes.