These Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful blend of soft and chewy textures, making them irresistible for any occasion. Bursting with patriotic colors and M&Ms, they are perfect for summer celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a fun treat at home. The unique addition of instant pudding mix makes these cookies extra moist and flavorful, ensuring they stand out at any cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch quickly.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pudding mix, these cookies remain soft even after baking.
- Customizable Colors: Use different sprinkles or M&Ms for any holiday or theme.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, they’re great for parties or gifts.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Store them in an airtight container for days without losing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking, making cleanup easy.
Ingredients
These brown sugar pudding cookies are my new favorite cookie recipe! Soft and chewy, they’re perfect filled with patriotic colors and M&Ms!
For the Cookies
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 3.4 ounce box INSTANT Vanilla Pudding Mix (just the mix, don’t make the pudding)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup red and blue sprinkles (or any colors)
- ¾ cup 4th of July M&Ms (or any color of M&M)
How to Make Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Note: This dough requires chilling.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer if preferred.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is combined.
Step 2: Add Flour and Mix Ins
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed.
- Once combined, gently fold in the sprinkles and M&Ms using a spatula.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Scoop out two tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment or a Silpat mat.
- There’s no need to space them out at this stage since you will chill them next.
- Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats if not already done.
- Place chilled cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges just start to turn brown.
Step 5: Cool Down
- Allow cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to one month.
Enjoy your delicious Fireworks Pudding Cookies, perfect for celebrating every festive occasion!
How to Serve Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
For a Festive Party
- Serve on a Colorful Platter – Arrange the cookies on a vibrant platter that complements the red and blue colors of the M&Ms.
- Pair with Milk or Hot Cocoa – A glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa creates a cozy pairing for these cookies.
As a Dessert Bar
- Create a Cookie Bar – Set up a DIY dessert station where guests can build their own cookie sandwiches with frosting or ice cream.
- Include Dipping Sauces – Offer chocolate or caramel sauces for an extra indulgent treat.
For Picnics and BBQs
- Pack in Treat Bags – Fill small bags with cookies for easy grab-and-go treats during outdoor events.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit – Balance the sweetness of the cookies with refreshing slices of watermelon or strawberries.
How to Perfect Fireworks Pudding Cookies
To make sure your Fireworks Pudding Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Boldly chill the dough – Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that soft and chewy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Boldly use quality ingredients – Using high-quality butter, brown sugar, and M&Ms can elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.
- Boldly monitor baking time – Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to brown for optimal softness.
- Boldly experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to swap in different colored sprinkles or seasonal candies for variety throughout the year.
- Boldly store properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Serving side dishes alongside your Fireworks Pudding Cookies can create a delightful dessert spread. Here are some tasty options.
- Bold Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Bold Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, creating a classic cookie and ice cream combination.
- Bold Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate served with marshmallows and fruits offers a fun dipping experience alongside the cookies.
- Bold Mini Cheesecakes – These bite-sized treats complement the flavors without overpowering them, providing variety.
- Bold S’mores Dip – A warm s’mores dip served with graham crackers brings another layer of deliciousness to your dessert table.
- Bold Flavored Milkshakes – Serve milkshakes in festive colors that match your cookies for a cohesive theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fireworks Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking, resulting in flat cookies.
- Using non-instant pudding mix: Make sure to use only INSTANT vanilla pudding mix. Regular pudding mix won’t work as effectively and could alter the cookies’ texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially for flour and sugar.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy batter that leads to chewy cookies.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Freeze cookie dough balls before baking.
- Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fireworks Pudding Cookies?
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with brown sugar and instant vanilla pudding mix, filled with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re perfect for festive occasions!
Can I customize Fireworks Pudding Cookies?
Absolutely! You can change the M&M colors or use different types of candy or sprinkles based on your theme or preference.
How long do Fireworks Pudding Cookies last?
In an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to one month.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your Fireworks Pudding Cookies turn out thick and chewy.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Their soft and chewy texture makes them a favorite at any gathering. Feel free to experiment with different colors of M&Ms or sprinkles to match your celebrations. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are the ultimate treat for any celebration! These soft and chewy cookies are packed with vibrant M&Ms and colorful sprinkles, making them a delightful addition to your dessert table. Infused with instant pudding mix, they boast an incredibly moist texture that keeps them fresh longer. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or a fun snack at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Get ready to impress everyone with these festive treats!
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sprinkles (red and blue or any colors)
- ¾ cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together softened butter and brown sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Add pudding mix, baking soda, and salt; combine well.
- Add Flour and Mix Ins: Gradually add flour while mixing on low speed. Fold in sprinkles and M&Ms gently.
- Chill the Dough: Scoop two tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges start to brown.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture—don’t skip this step! Feel free to experiment with different colored M&Ms or seasonal candies for various occasions.
