Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies
There’s something magical about cookies that combine rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and the crunch of nuts. When you bite into a Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookie, you’re not just tasting a cookie; you’re experiencing a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-indulgent, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The addition of Nutella and instant chocolate pudding mix elevates them to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
Why It’s My Go-To
These Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies have quickly become one of my go-to recipes for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of Nutella and instant chocolate pudding ensures that every bite is rich and fudgy, while the chopped nuts add a delightful crunch. Plus, they’re versatile! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Nutella
- 1 (13.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I used almonds; walnuts would be great too)
- 1/2 cup Kraft Mallow Bits
Gear Checklist
- Mixing Bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precision is key in baking!
- Cookie Sheet – A non-stick or lined cookie sheet works best.
- Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients and combining wet ingredients smoothly.
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop – To portion out the cookie dough.
Build Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Nutella and Eggs
Next, add the Nutella to the butter mixture, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and Kraft Mallow Bits. This is where you can really customize your cookies based on your preferences!
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- Spring: Add pastel-colored M&M’s for a festive touch.
- Summer: Serve with ice cream for a delicious cookie sundae.
- Fall: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.
Method to the Madness
Creating the perfect Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies is all about balancing flavors and textures. The pudding mix adds a rich chocolate flavor and keeps the cookies moist, while the Nutella provides that signature hazelnut goodness. The combination of chocolate chips and nuts gives these cookies a satisfying crunch. Plus, the Mallow Bits add a delightful marshmallow surprise in every bite, reminiscent of classic rocky road desserts. Remember, baking is both a science and an art, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different mix-ins or toppings!
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they are soft and gooey again.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different type of nut in these cookies?
Absolutely! While almonds and walnuts work wonderfully, you can use any nut you prefer or even omit them altogether if you’re looking for a nut-free cookie.
What if I don’t have instant chocolate pudding mix?
If you don’t have instant chocolate pudding mix, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cocoa powder, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. You might want to add a touch more sugar to compensate for the bitterness of cocoa.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. The edges will be set, and the tops should appear glossy. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Because You Liked This
Final Bite
These Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience filled with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and get ready to bake a batch of these decadent cookies. You won’t regret it!
Rocky Road Nutella Pudding Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Step 3: Add Nutella and Eggs. Add Nutella, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Whisk together baking soda, baking powder, and flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Step 5: Fold in the Goodies. Gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and Kraft Mallow Bits.
- Step 6: Scoop the Dough. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Step 7: Bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked.
- Step 8: Cool and Enjoy. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
