Fireworks Pudding Cookies are an exciting treat that brings joy to any occasion! These vibrant cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of brown sugar pudding cookies with colorful sprinkles and M&Ms, making them perfect for celebrations like the 4th of July, birthdays, or family gatherings. Their delightful flavors and festive appearance make them a standout choice for cookie lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pudding mix, each bite is incredibly soft and satisfying.
- Customizable Colors: You can change the colors of the sprinkles and M&Ms for any occasion or theme.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, they’re great for parties or cookie exchanges.
- Deliciously Sweet Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and vanilla creates a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Fireworks Pudding Cookies, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything in place will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper or silpat baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy dough.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
- Cookie sheet: A sturdy base for baking that ensures even cooking.
- Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.
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 Cookie Dough
- 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
For Decoration
- 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 Your Dough
- Note: This dough requires chilling.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. If you prefer, use a hand mixer as well.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add in the pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
- Finally, stir in the sprinkles and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Scoop 2 tablespoon balls of cookie dough onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment or a silpat baking mat.
- There’s no need to space them out; you’ll chill them before baking.
- Cover the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake Your Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line additional cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats.
- Place chilled cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges start turning brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Store your delicious Fireworks Pudding Cookies in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze them for up to one month. Enjoy these delightful treats during your next celebration!
How to Serve Fireworks Pudding Cookies
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their soft, chewy texture and colorful toppings make them perfect for celebrations, picnics, or just a cozy night in. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Ice Cream
- Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a warm cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Add your favorite flavor for an extra special treat.
For Celebrations
- Patriotic Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with red, white, and blue decorations for holidays like the 4th of July.
- Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons to give as party favors.
With Beverages
- Milk Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for the classic combination that never gets old.
- Coffee Delight: Pair with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.
How to Perfect Fireworks Pudding Cookies
To ensure your Fireworks Pudding Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to get accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when edges are light brown for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking soda and pudding mix are fresh to guarantee optimal flavor and rise.
Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Pudding Cookies
While Fireworks Pudding Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with other dishes can create a more complete dessert spread. Here are some tasty side dishes to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats complement the cookies and add an elegant touch to any dessert table.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Serve alongside whipped cream for guests who want an extra creamy experience.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich, creamy balance to the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Nutty Trail Mix: Offer a crunchy nutty trail mix for those who enjoy something savory with their sweets.
- Frozen Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries in cups for a fun, interactive dessert option alongside the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Fireworks Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.
- Not chilling the dough – Chilling the cookie dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much while baking.
- Incorrect measuring of ingredients – Baking is a science. Always use the right measuring tools and techniques, especially for flour and sugar, to avoid dough that’s too dry or too wet.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Ignoring baking times – Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake and remove them when the edges are golden for perfect results.
- Using old ingredients – Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor and texture. Check the expiration dates on your baking supplies before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to avoid clumping.
Reheating Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Fireworks Pudding Cookies.
What makes Fireworks Pudding Cookies special?
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are special because they combine soft, chewy textures with fun colors from M&Ms and sprinkles, making them perfect for celebrations.
Can I customize my Fireworks Pudding Cookies?
Absolutely! You can swap out M&Ms for chocolate chips or add different sprinkles based on the occasion or season for unique variations.
How do I know when my Fireworks Pudding Cookies are done?
Look for golden edges; they should be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use other flavors of pudding mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of instant pudding mix, like chocolate or butterscotch, to create new versions of these delightful cookies.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that combines fun colors with a soft, chewy texture. They’re perfect for any gathering or celebration. Don’t hesitate to customize them according to your taste preferences!
Fireworks Pudding Cookies
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Description
Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that will brighten any gathering! These vibrant cookies blend the soft, chewy goodness of brown sugar pudding cookies with colorful sprinkles and M&Ms, making them an ideal choice for celebrations like birthdays or family reunions. With their rich flavor from brown sugar and vanilla, every bite is a sweet indulgence. Easy to make and fun to customize, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a festive way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 3.4 ounce box 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 M&Ms
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in one large egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the pudding mix, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour and mix until just incorporated.
- Fold in sprinkles and M&Ms gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
