Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies

If you’re in the mood for a cookie that’s both chewy and decadent, look no further than these Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery cookie packed with rich butterscotch flavor and crunchy cashews. The addition of instant butterscotch pudding mix elevates the texture to a level that’s incredibly irresistible. Plus, these cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your cookie repertoire!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of butterscotch and cashews creates a delightful flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have freshly baked cookies in no time.
• Perfect Texture: The pudding mix ensures a soft and chewy texture, while the cashews add the perfect crunch.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for sharing, or you can keep them all to yourself for a sweet indulgence!

What’s in the Bowl

The ingredients for Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies are straightforward and can be found in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix (not sugar-free)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups butterscotch chips, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews or peanuts

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start baking your Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies, make sure you have the following equipment:

• Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet will work perfectly for these cookies.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll want a large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for whisking.
• Electric Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer will make the process easier and quicker.
• Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, a cookie scoop is a handy tool.
• Spatula: A spatula will help you transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to a cooling rack.

Mastering Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies: How-To

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Pudding Mix

Sprinkle the instant butterscotch pudding mix into the bowl and continue to mix until the pudding is fully integrated into the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in 1 cup of butterscotch chips and the chopped cashews. This is where the magic happens, as you’ll see the delicious morsels of flavor throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely, and then dive into these delicious Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies!

Substitutions by Category

Have a dietary restriction or simply want to switch things up? Here are some substitutions to consider:

• Butter: You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used, but may alter the texture slightly.
• Cashews: If you don’t have cashews, feel free to use chopped peanuts or even walnuts for a different crunch.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but may change the texture.

Cook’s Notes

• Make sure to use instant pudding mix, as cook-and-serve pudding will not give you the same results.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies right before baking.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of chips, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a unique twist!
• These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for later – just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To keep your Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies can result from melted butter that’s too warm or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is melted but not hot, and measure your flour correctly.

How can I make my cookies softer?

If you prefer softer cookies, try underbaking them slightly. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a little underdone.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Absolutely! While butterscotch is delicious, you can try vanilla or chocolate pudding mix for a different flavor profile.

What should I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. This will help the cookies stay moist and chewy.

Desserts to Finish

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth even further, check out these delightful desserts:

• Chocolate Lava Mug Cake – A rich, gooey chocolate treat that’s ready in minutes!
• Gooey Caramel Apple Blondies – A perfect combination of caramel and apple in a soft blondie form.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking cookies, especially when they are as delicious as these Cashew Butterscotch Pudding Cookies. They are perfect for sharing, but honestly, you might just want to keep them all to yourself. The combination of chewy butterscotch goodness, crunchy cashews, and the ease of preparation makes these cookies a must-try. Bake a batch today, and enjoy the delightful taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe!