Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy (3–4 minutes).

👉 This builds air = soft, pillowy texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Mix in vanilla.

Stir in the entire packet of instant pudding mix.

→ Yes, add it now—it blends right in!

Step 5: Combine & Fold

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until just combined.

Gently fold in chocolate chips (and nuts/toffee if using).

⚠️ Don’t overmix!

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into balls.

Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone.

💡 Pro tip: Take them out when they look underbaked—they firm up as they cool, staying soft inside.

Step 7: Cool & Devour

Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes—this lets them set without drying out.

Transfer to a wire rack… or eat warm off the sheet. We won’t judge.

💡 Pro Tips for Cookie Perfection

🧈 Use room-temp butter & eggs—they emulsify better = smoother dough.

🍪 Don’t overbake! Slightly underdone = chewy; overdone = crispy (still tasty, but not our goal).

📦 Make ahead: Dough balls freeze beautifully! Bake straight from frozen—add 1–2 mins.

🍫 Mix-ins matter: Try dark chocolate + sea salt, or white chocolate + butterscotch pudding.

🏷️ Label your pudding: Vanilla = classic; butterscotch = deep, caramel-like richness; chocolate = fudgy bomb.

🍽️ When to Serve These Golden Treasures

☕ With coffee or milk for afternoon bliss

🎂 As a last-minute host gift (wrap in a mason jar!)

🎁 In lunchboxes (kids never complain about these)

🫶 To someone who says, “I just need something sweet” —because sometimes, love is edible.

And if you eat three in a row while standing at the counter?

That’s called quality control.

❤️ Final Thought: Greatness Often Hides in Plain Sight

You don’t need rare ingredients or Instagram-worthy skills to make magic.

Sometimes, all it takes is one small twist—a forgotten box of pudding mix—to turn “good” into “OMG, give me the recipe.”

Because the best recipes aren’t always complicated.

They’re just made with care, curiosity, and a little willingness to break the rules.

And these cookies?

They’re proof that even classics can grow up—and still stay soft at heart.