These Chocolate Pie Cookies are like a hug in cookie form—rich, creamy, and totally irresistible. If you love chocolate cream pie, then you are going to fall head over heels for these cookies. They start with a soft chocolate cookie base, get filled with smooth chocolate pudding, and are topped with a dreamy swirl of fresh whipped cream. Every bite is a little taste of pie heaven, but in handheld cookie form!
These are perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or just treating your family to something extra special. My husband couldn’t stop sneaking these from the fridge, and even my picky kiddos were obsessed. They’re nostalgic, fun, and absolutely indulgent.
What Are These Cookies Exactly?
These are soft chocolate cookies inspired by classic chocolate cream pie. The cookie base is rich and fudgy, like the best chocolate cake meets a chewy cookie. Then comes the instant pudding filling—creamy, cool, and silky smooth. And to finish? A homemade whipped cream dollop that makes these feel extra fancy. Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings and you’ve got a showstopper dessert that’s shockingly easy to make.
When to Serve these Chocolate Pie Cookies
These cookies are fantastic for:
- Birthday parties (they’re always the first to disappear)
- Potlucks and BBQs
- Thanksgiving and Christmas cookie trays
- Valentine’s Day (they feel like a little love note!)
- Sunday dessert just because—your family will thank you
They also make amazing treats to pack in lunchboxes or surprise your neighbors with during the holidays!
Make-Ahead Magic for Holiday Prep
Holiday baking can get hectic—so having a treat you can prep ahead is a game changer. These Chocolate Pie Cookies are perfect for early preparation. The cookie dough can be made and chilled up to 48 hours in advance, and the pudding filling can be prepped the night before. You can even bake the cookies ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and just assemble with pudding and cream before serving. This makes them an ideal option for busy December days when you want to wow without the last-minute stress.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cookies
- All the Pie Flavor, No Fork Required – All the deliciousness of chocolate cream pie in a soft, portable cookie.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples and instant pudding for convenience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill until you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable – Add toppings, swap flavors, and make them your own.
Ingredient Breakdown
Cookie Dough
- Butter & Brown Sugar: The base of soft, rich flavor.
- Egg & Vanilla: Adds moisture and depth.
- Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder: The dry ingredients that create a thick, chewy texture.
Filling
- Instant Chocolate Pudding: Be sure to grab instant—not cook & serve.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: For a silky texture and rich flavor.
Whipped Cream
- Heavy Cream & Vanilla: Whipped into a fluffy topping to mimic pie cream.
Variations
- Make it Mocha: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie dough for a mocha twist.
- Try Peanut Butter Pudding: Chocolate and peanut butter? Always a yes.
- Miniature Versions: Make smaller cookies and turn these into bite-sized treats.
- Swap the Topping: Add chocolate drizzle, caramel, or even mini marshmallows on top.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Cookies too soft or spreading too much? Chill the dough longer to help them hold shape.
- Filling too thick? Whisk the pudding well before adding cream and avoid overmixing.
- Whipped cream not stiffening? Use chilled cream and a cold bowl—temperature matters!
- Indenting the cookies: Do this right when they come out of the oven while still soft.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Fridge Only: Because of the pudding and cream, keep these stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Best Within 3 Days: They’re still safe for up to 5 days, but texture is best the first few.
- Serve Cold: These are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.
- Prep Ahead: Bake the cookies and make the pudding ahead—just assemble right before serving!
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Make the Cookies Ahead: Bake and store the unfilled cookies at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without pudding) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, fill, and top when ready.
- Whipped Cream: Always make fresh right before serving for best texture.
Fun Serving Ideas
- Make a Cookie Pie Tray: Arrange the cookies in a pie dish and top with extra whipped cream and chocolate curls.
- Holiday Gift Box: Chill and box these in cupcake liners for an elegant edible gift.
- Add to Dessert Boards: Pair with strawberries, fudge squares, and marshmallows for a chocolate-lover’s dream platter.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies and fill with the pudding and whipped cream for a decadent sandwich-style treat.
Creative Section: “Make It a Pie-Inspired Party!”
Love dessert mashups? Plan a pie-inspired party! Serve up these Chocolate Pie Cookies alongside banana pudding cookies, apple pie bars, and key lime pie cupcakes. It’s a fun twist for birthdays, bake sales, or even bridal showers. Include mini labels and let guests vote on their favorite “cookie-pie” fusion!
Detailed FAQ
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?
No, you need instant pudding for this recipe—it sets quickly without heating and gives the right consistency.
Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Yes! Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading while baking. Even 20–30 minutes makes a big difference.
Can I pipe the filling and whipped cream?
Absolutely! It gives a neater, bakery-style look. Use piping bags or Ziplocs with the corner cut off.
Can I make these ahead of time for an event?
Yes, just store them in the fridge and wait to add the whipped cream until shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I use regular cocoa powder?
You can, but Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper chocolate flavor. If you’re using regular, the cookies may be slightly lighter in color and tangier in taste.
Are these freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the baked cookies, but don’t fill them until you’re ready to serve. The pudding and whipped cream don’t freeze well once assembled.
What if my pudding sets too thick?
That’s likely due to overmixing or adding the cream too early. Always whisk the pudding and milk together completely before adding cream.
Perfect for Fall Baking Season
As soon as sweater weather hits, we start craving cozy, chocolatey desserts—and these Chocolate Pie Cookies are just the thing. With their rich cocoa base and cool, creamy pudding filling, they’re like comfort food in cookie form. The deep chocolate flavor feels warm and indulgent, perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or a pumpkin spice latte. Whether you’re baking with your kids on a lazy weekend or bringing something sweet to a fall gathering, these cookies are a fall favorite you’ll come back to every year.
A Star on Any Holiday Cookie Tray
Want to impress with something unique on your Christmas cookie tray? These Chocolate Pie Cookies are the standout treat that friends and family will talk about long after the holidays. They’re different from your typical sugar or gingerbread cookies, making them a fun surprise among the classics. Add some festive chocolate curls, crushed peppermint, or gold sprinkles on top for a seasonal twist. They’re great for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert platters, or as a wow-worthy gift for teachers and neighbors.
Gift-Worthy Treats for the Holidays
Wrap up these beauties in festive boxes or cookie tins, and you’ve got a homemade gift that feels thoughtful and indulgent. Because they need to be refrigerated, they make an extra-special gift for friends and family you’ll see in person—perfect for bringing to Christmas parties or family dinners. Add a little tag that says “Chocolate Cream Pie in Cookie Form!” and you’re guaranteed to make someone’s day.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Pie Cookies are everything you love about classic chocolate cream pie, all tucked into a fun, portable dessert. They’re creamy, chocolatey, and have just the right balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge your own sweet tooth, these cookies deliver every time. Don’t forget to grab a napkin—you’ll want to lick your fingers clean!
More Cookie Recipes
- Chocolate Chip Toffee Cookies
- White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
- Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate M&M Cookies
Chocolate Pie Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- ½ cup instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add your butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to whisk the ingredients together for 3 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix again for a few minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated with the creamed butter.
- Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. I recommend reducing the speed of your mixer to prevent any flour or cocoa powder from splattering. Make sure there are no pockets of dry or wet ingredients in your cookie dough. Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350.
- While the cookie dough is chilling, whisk together your milk and pudding mix until homogeneous. Once combined, whisk in the heavy cream. Cover you pudding with plastic wrap and set it in the freezer.
- Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough and roll them in your hands. Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, leaving at least 1 1/2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a small dish to create an indent in the center of each cookie to hold the filling.
- Let your cookies cool completely to room temperature before filling them with a few spoonfuls of the pudding mixture.
- Beat the cream and vanilla together for about 3-5 minutes, or until stiff peaks begin to form. Add a dollop of fresh cream to the top of each cookie.
- Serve and enjoy!
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