Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

I am so glad that I have been keeping up with blogging, albeit not so great lately, and along with that learning other skills, such as food photography. And by no means, am I amazing at it now, but I also try not to look at pictures I took when I started--as they often make me cringe. I admit, I may have started with by taking pictures with my iPhone (and before Instagram came out to make all things beautiful ;) I first made these chocolate chip pudding cookies back in April of 2012 for a send off party for the Department Head. They were my first ever pudding cookie recipe. At the time, I had never heard or thought of adding pudding into cookie dough-- so it peaked my interested. I tried it and I fell in love immediately. It was so soft, moist and just overall delicious! So good that they made my Favorites of 2012.

Since that time, I have made a gazillion pudding cookie recipes. Popular recipes include: chocolate peanut butter pudding cookies, Oreo pudding cookies, monster pudding cookies, and turtle cheesecake pudding cookies. I think I have mastered the best way of incorporating the pudding into the cookie. This summer I taught a small section of Abnormal Psychology, and decided to make them cookies to enjoy after their final exams. And what better dessert than my favorite dessert of all time is the simple, Chocolate Chip Cookie. I decided to re-make this original recipe in my attempts to perfect it. It came out perfect :) I mean look at the chocolately, chippy goodness! Though i have to say, I am a much bigger fan of chocolate chunks than I am of chocolate chips-- probably because they pack in more chocolate. My class seemed to really enjoy it!

I have to share a side note. So each semester I ask my class to evaluate using a university sponsored anonymous on-line survey. Although they have to fill out a paper-pencil version in class. The online version, I thought, would be more confidential- allowing them to complete it in home and I get it right after grades are submitted (so their evaluations do not affect my grading), whereas the paper-pencil version, I only get at the end of the following semester. Which does not allow me to improve on any critiques for the class the following semester (where the online version does.) After the kind words my last semester class shared- I was worried there was no where to go but down ;) BUT they wrote such sweet, sweet things. I cannot lie, I got a little teary eyed but I was so touched. It made me re-think not teaching in my future :)

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUDDING COOKIES

A For the Love of Dessert Original Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Preheat over to 350F Degrees

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 (3.4-3.56 oz) box of vanilla pudding
1 1/2 stick of butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. honey
1 1/2 c. of chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and vanilla pudding- set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment, cream together (on medium speed) butter and both sugars until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Then add eggs, one at time, vanilla and honey. Scrape down sides. Then reduce to low speed and add flour mixture (dry ingredients). Combine until just incorporated. Finally add chocolate chunks.

Line baking sheet with baking mat, aluminum foil, parchment or wax paper. Scoop out 2 inch, large cookie dough balls onto sheet (roll between the palm of your hands for a nice round shape). Space the cookies 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Enjoy,
Chika