Double Chocolate Chunk Pudding Cookies

Have you ever tried those death by chocolate ice creams? Not sure if you have a Kroger near you, but they have a Premium Ice Cream brand and one (technically two) of their selections is Moose Tracks. It is chocolate ice cream with fudge ribbons. And, those fudge ribbons are AMAZING! I am assuming they were so popular because they came out with a Moose Tracks Extreme ice cream with extra fudge ribbons. ::drool:: I thought I could never eat another ice cream, and although definitely not as chocolatey (if that is a word, and for the sake of this blog I think it should be)-- I found Kroger's triple brownie ice cream. Have you ever had vanilla ice cream mixed with Hershey's syrup? Weird and random right? Well- the ice cream taste like that stuffed with fudge ribbons and brownie chunks. Yes, you're right, another ice cream worth drooling over.

You know are probably wondering, why did I go on a long tangent about chocolate, other than to make you hungry? Well- goal achieved ;) Just kidding! I have been quite obvious about my love for pudding cookies and I since I made my Red Velvet Pudding Cookies, my cravings for more pudding cookies has not gone away. And then it hit me, for someone who loves pudding cookies and for someone who loves chocolate, so much so that I went on a spiel about chocolate ice cream and started a blog based on my obsession for chocolate-- that I was a complete dork for never making a simple chocolate loaded pudding cookie-- and nothing else?!? I mean what is wrong with me? I have made other double chocolate cookies: Double Chocolate Brownie Cookie and my Fluffy, Chocolate Fudge Cookies. But not a pudding cookie! Well, challenge accepted!

I made these cookies for some kiddos I was working with. Our program runs a six-week social skills group for children with Asperger's (though I guess with the new DSM, Autism Spectrum Disorder). I lead a teen group. Well, this week was our last week. I always talk with them about my love for baking, and so for our last meeting I wanted to make them some goodies. I decided to make my Reese's Pieces Cupcakes, Take 2 and these pudding cookies. I mean, I get to make my chocolate overloaded pudding cookies and make something super yummy at the same time. Both were a hit. All the cupcakes and cookies were eaten up by the kiddos and their parents. And the extra- I gave to the hubby to take to the dog park for our friends to enjoy :) So, now it is your turn to enjoy the yumminess that is these cookies!

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHUNK PUDDING COOKIES

Adapted from Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence 

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 350F Degrees

2 c. of flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder (Hershey's Special Dark)
3.4-3.56 oz. chocolate pudding mix (dry)
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 stick of butter, softened
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (11.5oz) package of chocolate chunks 

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, chocolate pudding mix and baking soda. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy, approximately 5-8 minutes. Next, mix in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Then, add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, slowly mixing until just incorporated. Finally, stir in 1 cup of chocolate chunks.

Line baking sheet with a baking mat, aluminum foil, parchment paper, or wax paper. Using a cookie scoop (or large spoon)- scoop out 1 1/12 inch cookie dough balls onto sheet (roll between between palms of your hands for a nice round shape). Space the cookies 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. Press 1-3 chocolate chunks into the top of each cookie while also pressing down on each cookie to flatten, these cookies do not spread at all- so make sure to press down. Bake 8-10 minutes and let cool before serving (but not too much, because ooey-gooey chocolate is delicious ;).

Enjoy,
Chika