30-Minute Butterscotch Reese's Pudding Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies that combine butterscotch pudding mix with mini Reese's peanut butter cups for an irresistible treat. The pudding mix creates an extra tender texture while applesauce keeps them moist. Each bite delivers rich butterscotch flavor punctuated by chunks of chocolate and peanut butter. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to make but tastes bakery-special.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, softenedvegan butter1:1vegandairy-free
Use room temperature vegan butter for best creaming results
Full guide → - ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 3.4 ounce package butterscotch instant puddingvegan butter1:1vegandairy-free
Use room temperature vegan butter for best creaming results
Full guide → - 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 cups mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, choppedvegan butter1:1vegandairy-free
Use room temperature vegan butter for best creaming results
Full guide →
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper
- 3
Whisk together baking soda and flour and set aside
- 4
Cream together butter, applesauce and sugars
- 5
Add the pudding package and beat until well blended
- 6
Add eggs and vanilla extract
- 7
Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until just combined
- 8
Stir in chopped Reese's
- 9
Scoop into 2 tablespoon size balls and place on cookie sheets
- 10
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Tips
Chop the mini Reese's cups while they're cold for cleaner cuts and less melting during mixing.
Don't overbake - cookies will look slightly underdone but will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform 2-tablespoon portions and even baking results.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be scooped and refrigerated overnight before baking
Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies
Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Use room temperature vegan butter for best creaming results
Full guide →General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix instead?
Yes, sugar-free pudding works well and reduces overall sweetness. The texture remains similar with slightly less moisture retention.
What if I don't have mini Reese's cups?
Regular Reese's cups work - just chop them into small pieces. Mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips are good alternatives.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.