Name: Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 box White Cake Mix (Can be substituted with lemon or chocolate cake mix.); 1 box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (Other pudding flavors can be used.); 2 large Eggs (Acts as a binder.); 1/2 cup Butter (Softened.); 1/4 cup Milk (Substitute with almond or soy milk for dairy-free.); 1/4 cup Red & Green Decorating Sugars (Colored sprinkles can be used as a substitute.)

The kitchen is filled with joyous aromas, a blend of nostalgia and holiday cheer that tugs at my heartstrings. As the festive season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about special moments spent baking with loved ones. One of my favorite go-tos are these Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies, the perfect semi-homemade delight that instantly brings smiles. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll whip up soft, chewy cookies that are not only a breeze to make but also a stunning addition to your holiday spread. They’re versatile and can be tailored to your taste by swapping in different cake and pudding flavors, allowing for endless creative fun. So, whether you’re planning a family gathering or looking for quick holiday treats to please a crowd, these cookies are sure to impress. Are you ready to bake a batch that will spread joy on every plate?

Why are these cookies a holiday must?

Irresistible Festivity: These Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with their bright colors and delicious flavor. Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies come together in no time. Endless Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cake and pudding flavors, giving you a chance to customize your treats. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for parties, these cookies will brighten up any cookie platter and bring smiles to family and friends alike. Perfect for Gift Giving: Package them up as sweet gifts – everyone loves receiving homemade goodies. Whether you want something classic like these cookies or a twist on flavors, you might also enjoy my Nutty Vanilla Cake for a different but equally delightful treat!

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Ingredients

• Find everything you need for these scrumptious cookies right in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough

White Cake Mix – Provides structure and sweetness; feel free to swap for flavors like lemon or chocolate for a fun twist.
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix – Enhances creaminess and richness; try other pudding flavors to change up the taste profile.
Eggs – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; no substitutions recommended for this role.
Butter (softened) – Contributes to flavor and a chewy texture; margarine works for a dairy-free version.
Milk – Adds necessary moisture for dough consistency; almond or soy milk can serve as a dairy-free alternative.

For Decoration

Red & Green Decorating Sugars – Adds festive color and crunch; colored sprinkles can replace these for added flair.

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

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies won’t stick as they bake and will slide off easily when done.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and vanilla instant pudding mix. Crack in the eggs and add the softened butter and milk. Mix everything together until it forms a thick, creamy dough that’s evenly blended. This will create the soft and chewy base for your cookies, perfect for the festive season.

Step 3: Prepare the Sugars
While the dough is resting, grab a small bowl and combine your red and green decorating sugars. If you wish to use separate colors or sprinkles, feel free to get creative! Set this bowl aside, as you’ll need it shortly to give your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies that festive flair.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Aim for tablespoon-sized portions to ensure even baking. Once shaped, roll each ball in the colorful decorating sugars, fully coating them. This step adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color to your cookies.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. This spacing allows the cookies to spread properly as they bake, ensuring a beautifully shaped Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookie that maintains its vibrant sugary coat.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on your cookies; they should look soft in the center and slightly puffy when done. The edges will begin to set, creating that signature chewy texture we love in these festive treats.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 1 to 2 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up. Then, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they retain their delightful texture and taste before serving your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.

What to Serve with Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

As you prepare to indulge in a batch of these soft, chewy delights, imagine the wonderful spread that will enhance your festive cheer.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich and velvety drink pairs beautifully with the cookies, creating a warm, comforting holiday experience. Enjoying a cookie while sipping hot cocoa is a classic combination that evokes the spirit of the season.
Spiced Apple Cider: The sweet and spicy flavors of apple cider elevate the taste of the cookies, providing a cozy, aromatic beverage that captures the essence of holiday gatherings.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Serving these cookies warm alongside a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream creates a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures, making each bite even more indulgent.
Festive Fruit Salad: A bright, colorful fruit salad complements the sweetness of the cookies, adding a refreshing and healthy balance to your dessert spread. Consider using seasonal fruits for a festive touch.
Gingerbread Milkshake: Blend rich vanilla ice cream with gingerbread cookies and a splash of milk for a quirky shake that perfectly marries the flavors of the season. It’s fun, festive, and absolutely delicious!
Christmas Sugar Cookies: For cookie lovers, serving these alongside classic Christmas sugar cookies creates an inviting platter filled with different tastes and textures. It sparks joy at any holiday gathering.
Milk with Nutmeg: A simple glass of cold milk dusted with nutmeg complements the cookies and harkens back to childhood nostalgia. It’s a timeless pairing that never goes out of style.

Enjoy mixing and matching these delightful pairings for a truly memorable holiday experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked treats with less hassle during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance; this will help the flavors meld together beautifully and make for a thicker, chewier dough. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls, coat them in decorating sugars, and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an additional minute to the baking time. This way, you’ll have delicious, festive cookies that taste just as delightful, with minimal effort on the day of your gathering!

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these cookies that are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering!

Flavorful Swaps: Replace the white cake mix with butter golden or chocolate cake mix for a delightful variation in flavor. Chocolate lovers will rejoice!
Pudding Variety: Use flavored pudding like butterscotch or lemon to give your cookies a unique twist. The different flavors can completely transform the cookie experience.
Sweet Additions: Stir in white chocolate chips or your favorite nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture. This brings a wonderful crunch that complements the softness of the cookies beautifully.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular butter for margarine and use almond or soy milk to create a dairy-free version of these festive treats. Everyone deserves to enjoy holiday cookies!
Add Extra Crispy Sugar: Roll each dough ball in a mix of red and green decorating sugars along with granulated sugar for extra crunch and a festive touch. This results in an appealing texture that’s hard to resist.
Spice it Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday vibe. It adds a subtle depth of flavor that’s cozy and inviting.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free variant to cater to those with dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste. Everyone can enjoy your delicious cookies!
Miniature Bites: Instead of making large cookies, try baking small, bite-sized versions for a fun twist. Serve them mixed with other sweet treats on a platter for a delightful assortment.

For more delightful flavor inspirations, why not try my Nutty Vanilla Cake or a creamy touch with Vanilla Pudding? Each offers its own unique textures and flavors that can also brighten up your holiday celebrations!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the freezer for up to 3 hours. This makes rolling easier and helps achieve the best Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies.
Correct Measurements: Stick with the specified ingredients on your cake mix; adding extra oil or eggs can lead to overly wet cookies.
Roll Generously: Make sure to coat the dough balls thoroughly in sugar. This step not only adds flavor but also prevents sticking during baking.
Bake Time Awareness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; even a minute too long can change their texture from soft to cakey.
Storage Secrets: For freshness, store baked cookies in an airtight container, and enjoy them within a week. They can also be frozen for future treats!

Storage Tips for Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful softness and freshness.

Fridge: If you’re in a warm climate, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Freezer: For longer-term storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm, simply microwave the frozen cookies for about 15-20 seconds or bake them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until soft. Your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies will taste freshly baked!

Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh eggs, as they’ll provide the best texture. Check the milk for any sour smell; fresh milk is key to achieving moist cookies. For the cake and pudding mixes, ensure that they are within the expiration date for maximum flavor.

How should I store leftover cookies, and how long do they last?
Store your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks to maintain their delightful softness. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze these cookies, and what’s the best method for doing so?
Yes, you can freeze your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies! First, set the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between any cookies to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for a quick warm-up!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough too sticky to manage, no worries! Chill the entire bowl in the freezer for about 30 minutes to 3 hours. This makes rolling the dough balls much easier and will lead to perfectly shaped cookies that are soft and chewy after baking. Remember to keep rolling the dough in the sugary coating to avoid further stickiness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe?
Very! For those with dairy allergies, you can use margarine in place of butter and swap regular milk for almond or soy milk. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Always double-check the ingredient labels for any potential allergens, especially with pudding mixes and decorating sugars!

Can I use other flavors of cake or pudding mixes?
The more the merrier! This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap out the white cake mix for a chocolate or butter golden mix for a flavor twist. Additionally, mixing in different pudding flavors like butterscotch or lemon can add an exciting flair to your Holiday Vanilla Pudding Cake Cookies. Feel free to get creative!