Name: Valentine Pudding Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups Valentine’s M&M’s

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Table of Contents: Valentine Pudding Cookies

Valentine Pudding Cookies

Introduction: Valentine Pudding Cookies

Picture this: tender, fudgy cookies dotted with vibrant Valentine M&Ms and cheerful sprinkles, their edges delicately crisp while their centers remain blissfully chewy. These Valentine Pudding Cookies aren’t just any dessert—they’re a hug in cookie form.

Tailored for bakers seeking simplicity without sacrificing wow-factor, this pudding cookie recipe uses a surprising pantry staple: instant chocolate pudding mix. The pudding infuses the dough with moisture and depth, ensuring your soft pudding cookies stay irresistibly tender for days.

Valentine’s Day may inspire grand romantic gestures, but these cookies celebrate love in its coziest form. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, wrapping them as heartfelt gifts, or sneaking a midnight treat with your soulmate, these Valentine M&M cookies deliver nostalgia and joy in every bite.

With their festive red, pink, and white hues, they’re equally at home on holiday cookie trays, at family brunches, or as a quick weeknight pick-me-up.

Alternate Names & Variations

These treats go by many aliases:

Valentine Pudding M&M Cookies
Soft Chocolate Pudding Cookies
Chewy Valentine M&M Cookies

Variation idea: Swap the chocolate pudding mix for cheesecake or vanilla-flavored pudding for a lighter twist.

Ingredients: Valentine Pudding Cookies

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup (133g) packed brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 tablespoon (15ml) water or brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or Hershey’s Special Dark)
1 (3–3.5 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix (any flavor; avoid sugar-free)

1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 ¼ cups Valentine M&Ms + more for topping
¼ cup Valentine sprinkles + more for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep & Preheat: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes). Mix in vanilla, egg, and water/coffee.
Chef Tip: Room-temperature butter ensures smooth blending.
Dry Ingredients: Whisk cocoa powder, instant pudding mix, flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.

Fold in Festivities: Gently stir in 1 ¼ cups M&Ms and ¼ cup sprinkles. Avoid overmixing to keep dough tender.
Scoop & Decorate: Drop 1.5-tbsp dough portions onto sheets. Press extra M&Ms/sprinkles on top for holiday sparkle.
Bake: 10–12 minutes, until edges firm but centers look slightly underdone. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks.

Recipe Card: Valentine Pudding Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: ~150 kcal

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The magic lies in the instant pudding mix, which locks in moisture for cookies that stay soft for days. Brown sugar adds chewiness, while coffee deepens the chocolate notes.

For bakery-style thickness, chill dough 30 minutes before baking. Need a shortcut? Use a stand mixer to blend ingredients swiftly! These easy comfort food for family dinners are foolproof and freezer-friendly.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. A slice of bread helps retain moisture.
Freeze: Shape dough balls, freeze on trays, then transfer to bags for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen—add 1–2 extra minutes.
Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes to revive fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Valentine Pudding Cookies

Author: Crystal
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

These irresistibly soft Valentine Pudding Cookies melt in your mouth with festive red and pink M&M’s. Perfect for sharing love through homemade baking—they stay moist for days thanks to the secret pudding mix!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy in a stand mixer (~3 minutes).
Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.

In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
Fold in 1 cup M&M’s by hand (reserve ½ cup for topping).
Scoop 1.5-tablespoon dough balls onto sheets. Press remaining M&M’s onto tops.

Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool 5 minutes on sheets before transferring.

Notes

Tips: Ensure butter is at room temperature for ideal texture. Substitute M&M’s with chocolate chips for non-seasonal variations.
Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 1 week. Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American