Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pumpkin-spice pudding mix (such as Jello)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• teaspoon salt
• cup softened butter
• cup canned pumpkin
• cup white sugar
• cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounce) package pumpkin-spice flavored candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as M&Ms)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin-spice pudding mix, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, canned pumpkin, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the eggs, honey, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue beating until well incorporated.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly and carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Stir in the white chocolate chips and pumpkin-spice flavored candy-coated milk chocolate pieces by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and drop them onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the centers are set.

Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook's Notes

• You can use either light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference.
• If pumpkin-spice pudding is unavailable, you can substitute it with vanilla pudding mix.
• Pumpkin Spice M&M's are often available at Target during the fall season.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount per Serving
Calories	184
Total Fat	8g (11%)
Saturated Fat	5g (25%)
Cholesterol	22mg (7%)
Sodium	149mg (6%)
Total Carbohydrate	26g (9%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (2%)
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	2g (4%)
Calcium	33mg (3%)
Iron	1mg (3%)
Potassium	47mg (1%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies

While pumpkin spice flavors are most often associated with fall and Thanksgiving, pumpkin spice pudding cookies are a relatively recent creation that blends the nostalgic tastes of autumn with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. The concept of adding pudding mix to cookie dough dates back to the 20th century when brands like Jell-O began promoting their pudding mixes as versatile ingredients in baking. Pumpkin spice pudding cookies, in particular, gained traction in the 2000s as pumpkin spice became a seasonal phenomenon, popularized by coffee chains, seasonal desserts, and baking blogs. The recipe capitalizes on the pumpkin spice craze, pairing it with a comforting pudding mix that keeps the cookies moist and soft. These cookies have become a staple during autumn months, especially around Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Regional Features of Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies

Although pumpkin spice is commonly linked to American cuisine, especially in the northeastern regions where pumpkins are abundant, pumpkin spice pudding cookies have become a nationwide favorite. They reflect the essence of American autumn, with pumpkin pie spice, a key ingredient, being a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspiceingredients that are commonly used in fall baking. These cookies can often be found in the kitchens of home bakers across the United States, particularly during the fall season when pumpkins are harvested and pumpkin-flavored products hit the market. In some regions, variations of these cookies may include local ingredients like maple syrup or caramel to give them a unique regional twist.

How Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies Differ from Similar Treats

While pumpkin spice cookies are nothing new, what sets pumpkin spice pudding cookies apart is the use of instant pudding mix in the dough. This addition creates a softer and chewier cookie, unlike traditional pumpkin spice cookies that might be more cake-like or crumbly. The pudding mix also imparts a subtle richness to the flavor, making the cookie moist even without the addition of extra fat or oils. Additionally, the combination of white chocolate chips and pumpkin-spiced M&Ms adds a crunchy texture and an extra burst of sweetness that differentiates these cookies from standard pumpkin spice desserts.

Where Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies Are Typically Served

Pumpkin spice pudding cookies are perfect for any fall celebration, particularly around Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even during cozy autumn gatherings. Theyre often served at family dinners, bake sales, or school parties, as they are easy to make in large batches and loved by both children and adults. Given their rich flavor and seasonal appeal, they are also a popular treat at coffee shops and bakeries during the fall months, often alongside other pumpkin-flavored desserts like pumpkin bread or pie. These cookies make a great addition to a dessert table or a casual afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies

• Pumpkin spice became a mainstream flavor in the early 2000s, largely thanks to the rise of the pumpkin spice latte, which helped cement the spice blend as a fall favorite.
• The addition of pudding mix in cookie recipes is credited to Jell-O, who promoted the use of their products as ingredients for cakes and cookies in the 1930s.
• Many people associate the flavor of pumpkin spice with fall holidays, but it actually has roots in early American cooking, where a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove was used in traditional pumpkin pies.
• In the United States, pumpkin spice-flavored products have a cult following, with everything from granola bars to candles to scented lotions carrying the seasonal flavor.
• These cookies not only feature pumpkin spice and white chocolate chips but also pumpkin-spiced M&Ms, which are only available during the fall season, making them a truly seasonal treat.

FAQ about Pumpkin Spice Pudding Cookies Recipe