Celebration Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am happy to say that I am blessed to have a wonderful, selfless, loving mother. I am also blessed to have a great mother-in-law. I am happy that we are lucky enough to have these wonderful ladies in our lives. 

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, I made some chocolate chip cookies for dessert at the end of our dinner with my in-laws.

I love a good chocolate chip cookie, but I'll go out on a limb to say the Hubby really LOVES chocolate chip cookies! Because I decided to make this cookie on Mother's Day, I decided to name it my Celebration Chocolate Chip Cookie!

These cookies are soft and chewy, due to the fact that they have vanilla pudding in them. They can be fancied up by adding in candy or nuts!

Celebration Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
(1) 3.5-ounce packet instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon of salt
(1) 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (this is where you could add in candy or nuts)

Directions:

1. Using a stand mixer or bowl with an electric mixer, combine the butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined.
   
   
2. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, and beat on low speed until just combined.
   
   
3. Add the chocolate chips, and mix by hand until just combined.
   
   
4. Using a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measure to roll into balls and flatten slightly. (I added a few extra chocolate chips and M & M candies on top and pressed down slightly)
   
   
5. Place mounds on parchment lined baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. (you really need to chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading)
   
   
6. Preheat oven to 350F. Bake cookies for about 11-13 minutes or until edges and tops are just set, even if slightly under cooked; DO NOT OVER BAKE!
   
7. Allow the cookies to set up on the baking sheet before serving!

This is an easy recipe that just takes a little planning ahead. You and your family will enjoy these extremely yummy celebration cookies!

Until next time,

Kara