Fireworks Pudding Cookies

These Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that adds a splash of color and flavor to any gathering. Perfect for summer celebrations, including Fourth of July parties, these cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with festive M&Ms. Their unique pudding mix gives them a rich texture that will leave everyone craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful sprinkles and M&Ms make these cookies visually appealing for holidays and events.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pudding mix, every bite is deliciously soft and chewy.
• Versatile Flavor: You can easily adapt the colors and flavors to fit any occasion beyond just patriotic themes.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as gifts for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Fireworks Pudding Cookies, gather the essential tools. Using the right equipment will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper or silpat baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools make creaming the butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Parchment paper or silpat baking mat: Helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking of your cookies.

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 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 Garnish

• 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 the Dough

1. Note: This dough requires chilling.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer.
3. Mix in egg and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add pudding mix, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined.
5. Mix in flour, then stir in sprinkles and M&Ms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Scoop 2 tablespoon balls of cookie dough onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment or a silpat baking mat.
2. There’s no need to space them out; you’re going to chill them next.
3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats.
3. Place chilled cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges just start to turn brown.

Step 4: Cool Down

1. Cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
2. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to one month.

Enjoy your delicious Fireworks Pudding Cookies!

How to Serve Fireworks Pudding Cookies

Fireworks Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially festive celebrations. Their vibrant colors and chewy texture make them a hit at parties, barbecues, or family gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Cookie Dessert Platter

• Arrange a selection of Fireworks Pudding Cookies on a large platter.
• Include other cookie varieties for an inviting dessert spread.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies.
• This adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the chewy cookies.

Cookie Gift Jars

• Layer cookies in mason jars for a charming homemade gift.
• Tie with a ribbon and attach a recipe card for a personal touch.

Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons.
• These make great take-home treats for guests at your celebration.

Milk Pairing

• Serve with cold milk or flavored milk options like chocolate or strawberry.
• The combination enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

S’mores Variation

• Use Fireworks Pudding Cookies instead of graham crackers to make s’mores.
• Add toasted marshmallows and chocolate for an exciting twist on the classic treat.

How to Perfect Fireworks Pudding Cookies

To achieve the best results with Fireworks Pudding Cookies, consider these helpful tips. Following these simple steps will ensure your cookies come out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor.

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them thick and chewy.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and a smoother cookie batter.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden; they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

• Add Extra Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different M&Ms, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations.

• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This maintains their softness for longer periods.

• Try Different Sprinkles: Switch up the sprinkles based on holidays or themes to keep your cookies festive and fun!

Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Pudding Cookies

While Fireworks Pudding Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of cookies while adding freshness.

2. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve warm chocolate fondue alongside the cookies for dipping. It creates an interactive dessert experience!

3. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy whipped cream served in bowls can be an excellent accompaniment for those who enjoy extra creaminess.

4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites provide rich flavors that contrast nicely with the lighter texture of pudding cookies.

5. Brownie Bites
   Offer small brownie bites for a double dessert treat that indulges chocolate lovers in one go.

6. Ice Cream Sundaes
   Create mini sundae stations where guests can top their cookies with ice cream and various toppings like nuts or syrups.

7. Coffee or Tea
   A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors while offering balance.

8. Nut Mixes
   Provide bowls of assorted nuts as a crunchy contrast to softer cookie textures while adding savory notes to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fireworks Pudding Cookies, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to a dense cookie. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for thick cookies. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with flat cookies that spread too much.

• Overbaking: Cookies continue to cook even after being removed from the oven. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges just start to brown.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to aerate the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup for accuracy.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using ingredients at different temperatures can affect the dough consistency. Ensure eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Fireworks Pudding Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for about 4 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Fireworks Pudding Cookies

• You can freeze these cookies for up to one month.
• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Make sure to label the container with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Fireworks Pudding Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds per cookie, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors of pudding mix in Fireworks Pudding Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavors like chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix for a unique twist on this recipe.

How do I make Fireworks Pudding Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What can I use instead of M&Ms in Fireworks Pudding Cookies?

You can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits if you prefer different add-ins.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

Are Fireworks Pudding Cookies suitable for any occasion?

Yes! These cookies are perfect for holidays like the 4th of July or any festive gathering due to their vibrant colors!

Final Thoughts

Fireworks Pudding Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for sharing at any celebration. You can easily customize them by using different sprinkles or candy types. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple and fun they are to make!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Fireworks Pudding Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Fireworks Pudding Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for summer gatherings, especially Fourth of July celebrations. These vibrant cookies are soft and chewy, enhanced with colorful M&Ms and a hint of pudding mix that creates a delightful texture. The combination of sweetness and festive colors makes them a must-have at any party or family gathering. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these cookies can be customized for any occasion, ensuring they bring joy and flavor to every event.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup red and blue sprinkles
• ¾ cup M&Ms

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
2. Stir in the pudding mix, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour, then fold in the sprinkles and M&Ms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden.
6. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg