Effortless Vanilla Pudding Cookies

Featured in: Desserts

After dinner, I saw pudding mix in the cupboard. That's when I thought of mom’s old trick for fun cookies. About ten minutes mixing, then fifteen in the oven, and boom—warm cookies dotted with rainbow sprinkles, all set for happy snacking!

Twistytaste.com
Updated on Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:42:19 GMT
A bunch of colorful cookies piled up on a little white plate. Pin it
A bunch of colorful cookies piled up on a little white plate. | twistytaste.com

Bite into some real fun with these Vanilla Pudding Cookies topped with rainbow sprinkles! They've got a chewy center, a little crisp on the outside, and are loaded with bright sprinkles all over. Great for celebrating or a simple sweet pick-me-up.

Why These Cookies Stand Out

Pudding mix takes these cookies to next-level softness with loads of sweet vanilla taste. Want to make them pop even more? A dash of almond extract does wonders. They stay tender for days, freeze nicely, and taste like something from that bakery you love.

All the Stuff You'll Need

  • Almond Extract: ¼ teaspoon (skip it if you're out)
  • Pudding Mix: 1 box of instant vanilla flavor
  • Sprinkles: ½ cup plus more for topping if you feel like it
  • Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Eggs: 1 whole egg and a single extra yolk
  • Sugar: 1 cup plain white
  • Flour: 2 cups all-purpose
  • Butter: 1 cup softened but not melted
  • Vanilla: 1½ teaspoons

Easy Steps to Get Them Done

Cool Down:
Let cookies chill in the freezer for 20 minutes
Shape:
Roll the dough into balls and sprinkle extra sprinkles if you want
Toss In Sprinkles:
Fold in sprinkles gently
Stir in Dry Stuff:
Slowly blend dry mix into the wet bowl
Mix in Eggs:
Add the egg and vanilla, mix until it looks just right
Butter and Sugar:
Beat butter with sugar for about 2 minutes, until fluffy
Combine Dry Goodies:
Stir together flour, baking soda, and pudding mix in a bowl
Right Amounts:
Measure flour correctly—spoon it in, scrape off the top
Line Up:
Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper
Oven Time:
Bake at 350° for 12-13 minutes, watching for golden edges
Move and Cool:
Set aside for 3 minutes, then get them onto a rack
Preheat:
Get your oven hot at 350°
Colorful sprinkle cookies fresh out of the oven relaxing on a cooling rack. Pin it
Colorful sprinkle cookies fresh out of the oven relaxing on a cooling rack. | twistytaste.com

What's So Great About These

They're something special, for sure. You get a soft bite inside, a crisp bite around the edge, and a bunch of color in every mouthful. They bring instant joy, for parties or just a plain old Tuesday.

What Pudding Mix Does

Pudding mix keeps the cookies extra moister and loads them with vanilla goodness. Want to kick up the flavor? Add a splash of almond extract and see how tasty they get.

How to Keep Them Soft

They'll stay super soft in a closed-up container for a few days. If you want to keep them that way even longer, toss in a slice of bread or a couple marshmallows. But honestly, they'll probably disappear fast!

Stashing Extra Dough

Save some dough for another time. Roll it up into balls, freeze on a tray, then dump in a freezer bag. When a cookie craving calls, bake right from the freezer and just add another minute in the oven.

Gift-Worthy Cookies

They make the sweetest gifts. Pop them in a cute jar or box and you'll make anyone's day. Awesome for birthdays or just to show you care.

Stack of sprinkle-topped cookies on a plate, with extra cookies and scattered sprinkles in the background for a fun vibe. Pin it
Stack of sprinkle-topped cookies on a plate, with extra cookies and scattered sprinkles in the background for a fun vibe. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fake vanilla?

Yep, imitation vanilla is totally fine for this. Real vanilla gives richer flavor, but the fake kind is still delicious and saves cash. Your cookies will turn out tasty either way.

→ No almond flavor - now what?

No almond extract left? No stress. Just throw in an extra splash of vanilla. You’ll get cookies with that smooth classic flavor everyone loves.

→ Must I chill the dough?

Chilling keeps these cookies thick and helps them not spread too much. But if you don’t have time for that, skip it. They’ll still taste great, just a bit softer and flatter.

→ Can I make them early?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once they're solid, toss into a bag and bake straight from the freezer next time you want cookies—just tack on another minute or two in the oven.

→ Need dairy-free options?

You bet! Switch the butter for the same amount of coconut oil. You’ll get a hint of coconut, and the cookies still come out soft, chewy, and totally dairy-free.

Conclusion

Enjoy these? Next time, try tossing extra sprinkles into your sugar cookies. Or make pudding brownies when chocolate cravings hit. Best part? You probably already have everything you need at home!

Effortless Vanilla Pudding Cookies

Craving cookies? You can whip these up fast!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 18 cookies

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box instant vanilla pudding powder.
02 1 1/2 spoons vanilla extract.
03 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter.
04 1 cup white sugar.
05 1 egg plus an extra yolk.
06 1/4 spoon almond essence.
07 2 cups all-purpose flour.
08 1 spoon baking soda.
09 1/2 cup colored sprinkles (more for topping, about 1/4 cup, if you'd like).

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350° to get warm.

Step 02

Cover baking pans with wax paper.

Step 03

Be careful as you measure out the flour.

Step 04

Combine the flour, baking soda, and pudding mix together.

Step 05

Whip the butter and sugar with a mixer for about 2 minutes till smooth.

Step 06

Blend in the egg, yolk, vanilla, and almond flavor.

Step 07

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, one cup at a time. It'll thicken up.

Step 08

Gently fold in the sprinkles.

Step 09

Use a big spoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough.

Step 10

Pop the dough balls in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Shape the dough into balls. Add extra sprinkles on top, pressing gently, if you'd like.

Step 12

Place dough balls on the pan, leaving 3-inch gaps. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes till the edges are golden.

Step 13

Let them sit on the pan for 3 minutes to cool before moving to a rack.

Step 14

Once fully cool, place them in an airtight container.

Notes

  1. You can freeze the dough and bake it later.
  2. Or keep the dough chilled in the fridge overnight. If cold, bake 1 minute longer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment or wax paper.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Wooden mixing spoon.
  • Cookie dough scoop.
  • Wire rack for cooling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 211
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 2 g