This pudding cookie dough is simple to make and transforms into four delightful Christmas cookie varieties: frosted cookies, sprinkle cookies, thumbprint jam cookies, and hidden kiss cookies.
Yes—four different cookies from one basic dough. This versatile vanilla pudding cookie dough creates soft, tender cookies with a rich vanilla taste that practically melt in your mouth. It’s an excellent choice for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, parties, or leaving a plate out for Santa.
The pudding mix in the dough keeps these cookies extra soft and adds a subtle creaminess and vanilla flavor. While the dough is delicious on its own, the four suggested finishes make a festive tray of holiday cookies everyone will love.
Four Christmas cookies from one dough
This basic vanilla pudding cookie dough can be finished into any of the following holiday cookies:
- Christmas sprinkle cookies
- Thumbprint jam cookies
- Hidden kiss cookies
- Soft frosted Christmas cookies
Ingredients
For the basic pudding cookie dough you will need:
- Unsalted butter and shortening – combining both helps the cookies keep shape while retaining rich butter flavor.
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs (room temperature)
- Vanilla extract – use real vanilla for the best flavor.
- All-purpose flour
- Instant vanilla pudding mix – use the 3.4 oz instant pudding (do not use cook & serve).
- Baking powder
- Salt
Each cookie variation may require additional ingredients such as sprinkles, jam, chocolate kisses, or frosting. Prepare those extras as needed for the finish you choose.
Make ahead and freeze
This recipe yields about four dozen cookies, so it’s convenient to divide the dough: bake some now and freeze the rest for later. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer-safe bag; it will keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Recipe: Basic Pudding Cookie Dough
Basic Pudding Cookie Dough
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (48 g) shortening
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl with a stand or hand mixer, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing a little at a time until a soft dough forms.
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Divide and shape the dough according to the finish you want—sprinkles, thumbprints with jam, frosted cookies, or hidden kiss cookies—and bake following the directions for each variation until edges are set and cookies are lightly golden.
Notes
Nutrition
| Calories: 85 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 11 g
| Protein: 1 g
| Fat: 4 g
Did you make this recipe?
Share your results on social media to show off your cookies and inspire others to try these four festive variations.
