Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

Happy Halloween! Ninja is wearing his army snuggie, yes snuggie, becuase that is how he rolls. My class dressed up for their exam today because it was Halloween (and I offered them extra credit if they did -- gotta have fun ;). And today marks the end of my Spooktacular countdown. And is the reason (well, one of the reasons) I did not post yesterday.  I did not forget. I wanted to make this yummy treat for the hubby's work Halloween party and I just hate making over a day old baked goods for a party. And of course, what fun would it be if I did not post a treat on Halloween. Besides, who made up the rules that countdowns had to be everday ;) I believe in breaking a few rules, being a bit of a hippie, going outside the box, eating that extra cookie or that whole bar of chocolate, and acting like a big kid!

Well, if you know me but at all -- you would know that I would not do any countdown without including a pudding cookie recipe. Remember, I am hardcore addicted to pudding cookies. And I pretty much have not made a non-pudding cookie since. There is just no other way to make a cookie. Why would anyone not want a cookie that is always moist, delicious an delectable. That would just never happen. When I went to the grocery store to pick up ingredients and decor for my Spooktacular countdown, I saw this pumpkin spice pudding. And pudding cookie just popped into my head. Just a heads up, apparently this flavor of pudding is generally only sold at Wal-mart. 

Plus, the hubby LOVES himself pumpkin desserts. He fills up on all things pumpkin. Not only did I want to make these pudding cookies for the hubby's party because I have never had a pudding cookie not be a big hit but I thought it was a great transition. Pumpkin is so Halloweeny (hahaha..it's a word) but it is also Fally (also a word) -- the perfect food to go from Halloween to Thanksgiving! These cookies are AMAZING -- with just the right subtle hint of pumpkin spice. The hubby convinced me that he just had to "try" one before taking it to work, just to "ensure" they tasted good. I also took some to school with me. They were gone instantly. So say goodbye to Halloween and hello to Thanksgiving season in an awesome way! :)

PUMPKIN SPICE, CHOCOLATE CHIP PUDDING COOKIES

Adapted from Chef-in-Training

INGREDIENTS

Preheat over to 350F Degrees

2 1/2 c. all purpose flour*
2 tsp. baking soda
1 (3.4-3.56 oz) box of pumpkin spice pudding (dry)
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

*If dough is sticky add an extra 1/4 c. of flour

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice pudding mix- 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, followed by vanilla and honey. Scrape down sides. Then reduce to low speed and add dry ingredients. Combine until just incorporated. Finally fold in chocolate chips .

Line baking sheet with baking mat, aluminum foil, parchment or wax paper. Scoop out 1 1/2-2 inch, cookie dough balls onto sheet (roll between the palm of your hands for a nice round shape). Space the cookies 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the cookies using the palm of your hand. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Enjoy,
Chika