Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, vegan butter works too)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy. Don't skip this step!
4. Add the pudding mix, vanilla extract, and eggs to the butter mixture. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, starting on low speed to avoid flour spillage. Once combined, turn the mixer up to high speed and mix until fully incorporated. Add the remaining dry ingredients and repeat until the dough is just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
7. Using a large cookie scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden and set on top. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. When baking from frozen, add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition