Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Secret Twist

Description: When my neighbor made these cookies, everyone in the neighborhood wanted the recipe — especially after tasting the secret ingredient that makes them incredibly soft and delicious!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Secret Ingredient: 1/2 cup vanilla pudding mix (dry, instant)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
4. Stir in the dry vanilla pudding mix — this is the secret for soft, thick cookies.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips.
8. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Notes

• Do NOT prepare the pudding — add it dry.
• For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes.
• Try butterscotch or white chocolate chips for variety.

Reader Review

“When my neighbor made these cookies, everyone wanted the recipe — don’t lose this one!”