Name: Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies for Festive Feasts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 1 box White Cake Mix (Acts as the fluffy base for cookies); 1 box Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Mix (Ensure moist cookies); 2 large Eggs (For binding and moisture); 2 tablespoons Softened Butter (Adds chewy texture); 2 tablespoons Milk (Helps achieve perfect cookie dough consistency); 2 tablespoons Red & Green Decorating Sugars (Festive finishing touch); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips or Nuts (Enhances texture and flavor); 1 box Other Pudding Flavors (Experiment with different flavors)

The sweet scent of vanilla wafting through the kitchen can instantly transport me to cozy holidays spent with family. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies! These delightful cookies not only offer a tender, cake-like texture but are also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of any skill level. Whether you’re looking to fill cookie jars for loved ones or searching for a fun project to enjoy with the kids, these cookies are a wonderful treat to spread seasonal cheer. Plus, with the option to experiment using various cake mixes, you can create an array of flavors to keep everyone guessing. Are you ready to embrace the joy of baking? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Simplicity: These Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies are a breeze to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time—perfect for beginner bakers and busy home chefs alike.

Versatility: Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cake flavors! Choose from lemon, chocolate, or even funfetti—your imagination is the only limit!

Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress everyone from family to friends, making them the perfect treat to share or leave out for Santa!

Indulgently Soft: You’ll fall in love with the tender, chewy texture that reminds you of decadent birthday cake, combining nostalgia with every delightful bite.

Try pairing these cookies with a glass of milk or serving them alongside festive treats such as Easter Sprinkle Cookies for a joyous dessert platter that will have everyone reaching for more!

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Box of White Cake Mix – Acts as the fluffy base for these delightful cookies; experiment with different flavors for a fun twist!
Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Mix – Ensures moist and rich cookies; butterscotch or chocolate pudding mixes are great substitutions.
2 Eggs – Necessary for binding and moisture; a flax egg works if you’re looking for a vegan option.
2 Tablespoons of Softened Butter – Adds to the chewy texture; feel free to swap it for margarine or coconut oil if needed.
2 Tablespoons of Milk – Helps achieve the perfect cookie dough consistency; any non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute.
Red & Green Decorating Sugars – Makes for a festive finishing touch; sprinkles or colored sugar can be used for variation.

Optional Mix-Ins

White Chocolate Chips or Nuts – Enhances texture and flavor; consider adding for extra indulgence in your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.
Other Pudding Flavors – Experiment with cheesecake or spice flavors for a unique twist on the classic cookie!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will ensure a perfect release and make clean-up a breeze once you start baking your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of white cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, 2 eggs, softened butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Use a sturdy spatula or mixer to blend everything together until well incorporated; the dough will be thick and slightly sticky. This luscious blend is what makes the cookies soft and delectable, so mix until you see no dry spots.

Step 3: Prepare the Decorating Sugars
While your dough is resting, take a small bowl and pour in your red and green decorating sugars. You can also use separate bowls for a vibrant color mix. Give the sugars a quick stir to combine; this helps create that festive sparkle when you coat your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies before baking.

Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out generous portions of the thick cookie dough and roll them into smooth balls. Make sure they are about the size of a golf ball, ensuring each cookie will be delightfully soft and chewy. Roll each dough ball in the prepared decorating sugars, making sure they’re fully coated for a cheerful appearance.

Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Carefully place your rolled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give them room to spread while baking, resulting in beautifully shaped Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies. Ensure your arrangement looks neat and festive!

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cookies to be set at the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up while cooling, so don’t be tempted to overbake for that perfect chewy texture!

Step 7: Cool and Transfer
Once baked to perfection, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about a minute. Then, use a spatula to gently transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This step is essential to retain the soft and chewy goodness that defines your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it as instructed and then covering the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. If you want to bake them fresh, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls and coat them with decorating sugars right before baking; they will come out just as delightful! For longer prep, shape the cookie balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy the convenience without compromising on flavor!

Expert Tips for Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Butter Softness: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing; cold butter may create clumps in the dough.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to make scooping and rolling easier.
Perfect Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft in the center for the ideal texture of your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to switch up the cake mix flavor for a fun twist; lemon or chocolate can give your cookies a delightful surprise!
Layer on the Decorating Sugars: Roll the dough balls thoroughly in the red and green decorative sugars for an extra festive appeal before placing them on the baking sheet.

What to Serve with Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Pair these delightful cookies with complementary flavors to elevate your snack time and create a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Creamy Milk: A classic pairing, the rich creaminess of milk perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies. Enjoy it warm, and feel the nostalgia wash over you.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous serving of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies for a decadent treat. The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, soft cookies.
Hot Cocoa: A cozy cup of hot cocoa adds warmth and richness to your cookie experience. Sip away while enjoying the delightful flavors of both treats.
Fruit Salad: Brighten the palate with a refreshing fruit salad; the tangy sweetness of seasonal fruits complements the richer cookie flavors beautifully.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent touch. The buttery sweetness enhances the vanilla notes in every bite.
Spiced Chai Tea: For a warming beverage, enjoy a cup of spiced chai tea. The aromatic spices meld perfectly with the sugary vanilla taste, making for a delightful pairing.

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Variations

Ready to add your personal touch to these delectable cookies? Let’s explore some fun ways to customize this recipe and elevate your baking game!

Chocolate Cake Mix: Swap the white cake mix for chocolate to create a rich, indulgent flavor that everyone will adore.
Lemon Pudding Mix: Substitute vanilla pudding with lemon for a zesty twist that brightens up each cookie. They’ll remind you of sunny days!
Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft texture of the cookies.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of regular milk for a completely dairy-free treat.
Funfetti Surprise: Add colorful sprinkles into the dough before baking for a festive, funfetti version that’s perfect for celebrations.
Spicy Pumpkin Pudding: Embrace the season by replacing vanilla pudding with pumpkin spice pudding to create a cozy autumn-inspired flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Mix in some chocolate chips and a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Before baking, roll the dough balls in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra layer of flavor that’ll make your house smell heavenly.

No matter what variations you choose, the joy of baking together with family can be as special as the cookies themselves. For more delightful treats, consider trying my Pistachio Raspberry Cake or serve these cookies alongside Easter Sprinkle Cookies for a beautifully diverse dessert platter this holiday season!

How to Store and Freeze Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.

Fridge: For extra freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; just remember to let them come to room temperature to enjoy their chewy goodness.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a warm treat!

Reheating: To give your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies a freshly baked taste, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cake mix for these cookies?
Absolutely! For these Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies, I recommend using a box of white cake mix as the base for that light, fluffy texture. However, feel free to get creative! A butter golden mix can add richness, while lemon or chocolate cake mixes offer fun flavor variations that the whole family will love.

How should I store the cookies, and how long do they last?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to extend their deliciousness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture!

Can I freeze Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! To do so, first allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!

What if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?
No worries! If you find that your dough is too sticky, simply chill it in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and roll the dough into balls without making a mess. Sometimes, a little chill goes a long way in baking!

Are there any dietary considerations for making these cookies?
Very! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a vegan option, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water). You can also substitute the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just make sure to check all your ingredients for any hidden allergens!

Can I add mix-ins to my Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies are versatile and perfect for customization. Consider adding white chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors to create a delightful twist on the traditional recipe. The more the merrier!