Fireworks Pudding Cookies are the perfect treat for any festive occasion. These delicious brown sugar pudding cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with vibrant colors that make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July, a birthday, or just want a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique texture and flavor come from the addition of pudding mix, making them irresistibly delightful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies quickly.
- Soft and Chewy: Thanks to the pudding mix, these cookies have a unique texture that keeps them soft even after baking.
- Festive Colors: The red and blue sprinkles along with 4th of July M&Ms give these cookies a fun and patriotic flair.
- Versatile Treat: While they’re perfect for holidays, they can also brighten up any day with their colorful appearance and delicious taste.
- Makes Great Gifts: Pack them in jars or boxes for thoughtful gifts that friends and family will love.
Tools and Preparation
To make Fireworks Pudding Cookies efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and helps achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silpat baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Parchment paper or silpat mats: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.
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 butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer if preferred. Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add pudding mix, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Blend until combined. Then add flour gradually until fully mixed in.
Step 3: Add Fun Elements
Stir in sprinkles and M&Ms gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Scoop out 2 tablespoon balls of cookie dough onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or silpat baking mats. There’s no need to space them out since you will chill them. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F while your dough is chilling. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Place chilled cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges start turning brown.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
Store your Fireworks Pudding Cookies in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for longer enjoyment!
How to Serve Fireworks Pudding Cookies
These delightful Fireworks Pudding Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion, especially during summer celebrations. Here are some fun and creative ways to serve them.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter alongside fresh fruit and other treats for a beautiful dessert display.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious sundae twist.
In Gift Boxes
- Package a few cookies in a decorative box tied with ribbon to give as gifts during holiday gatherings or parties.
During Movie Nights
- Pair these cookies with popcorn and your favorite movie snacks for a cozy movie night at home.
At BBQs or Picnics
- Bring these cookies along to outdoor events where they can be enjoyed as a sweet treat after the main meal.
For Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy these cookies with coffee or milk for a sweet breakfast option that kids will love.
How to Perfect Fireworks Pudding Cookies
To ensure your Fireworks Pudding Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they stay soft and chewy.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a smoother dough and enhancing the cookie’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try different types of M&Ms or sprinkles to personalize your cookies for various occasions.
- Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!
Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Fireworks Pudding Cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses adds a savory contrast that enhances the overall flavor experience.
- Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix provides texture and makes for a delightful snack alongside the soft cookies.
- Veggie Sticks with Dip: Fresh veggies served with hummus or ranch dip create a healthy balance to indulgent desserts.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer bite-sized cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate for an added treat.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits and pretzels alongside the cookies for extra fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fireworks Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for soft and chewy results.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Using the Wrong Pudding Mix: Make sure to use INSTANT vanilla pudding mix only. Regular pudding won’t yield the same chewy consistency.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges of your cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly to ensure success.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making Fireworks Pudding Cookies raises some common questions among bakers. Here are answers to help you out!
Can I use different flavors of pudding mix?
Yes, you can experiment with various pudding flavors! Chocolate or butterscotch could add a unique twist to your Fireworks Pudding Cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for slightly golden edges and soft centers. They will continue cooking on the sheet after being removed from the oven.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, and enjoy gluten-free Fireworks Pudding Cookies!
What other mix-ins can I use?
Feel free to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits! The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with mix-ins.
How long should I chill the cookie dough?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect texture while baking your Fireworks Pudding Cookies!
Final Thoughts
Fireworks Pudding Cookies offer a delightful combination of soft and chewy textures enhanced by colorful M&Ms. Their festive appearance makes them perfect for celebrations like Fourth of July gatherings. Plus, with options for customization, you can tailor these cookies to fit any occasion or personal taste preference. Try them today and experience their deliciousness!
Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are an irresistible treat that adds a splash of color and fun to any celebration. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are infused with the rich flavor of brown sugar and the delightful sweetness of vanilla pudding mix. Each bite is packed with vibrant red and blue sprinkles, making them perfect for festive occasions like the Fourth of July or birthdays. Not only are they easy to make, but they also double as a thoughtful gift when packed into decorative boxes. Prepare for compliments as these colorful cookies become the star of your dessert table!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup red and blue sprinkles
- ¾ cup 4th of July M&Ms
Instructions
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar using a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate pudding mix, baking soda, salt, and flour until well blended.
- Fold in sprinkles and M&Ms gently.
- Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets; chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F while dough chills.
- Bake chilled dough balls for 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Allow cookies to cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature before mixing. Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookies' shape during baking. Feel free to experiment with different colors of sprinkles or M&M flavors to suit various occasions.