Vanilla Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vanilla Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I can't seem to get enough of PUMPKIN these days AND vanilla pudding mix was so fun to add because the flavors fit perfect together. They are so soft and so tasty and this recipe makes a TON, so bake for a party or something fun this season!

They do have butter and brown sugar (and pudding mix, but it was just too good not to add)! I did, however, trade out some of the bad ingredients with better ingredients (greek yogurt, honey, whole wheat flour, etc) from the original recipe, so you can at least get some health benefits from this treat!
Recipe inspiration from: www.picky-palate.com

If you really want to take out the butter, you could try substituting that for applesauce, just skip step #2 with melting the butter. Be adventurous if you'd like, but below was my tried and true recipe for a delicious vanilla pumpkin bite!

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter

12 oz. (two of the 6 oz. cups) plain greek yogurt

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 4.6 oz. box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 generous cups chocolate chips

1 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

- Place butter into a small saucepan over medium heat. Let melt and bubble until browned. Remove and let cool for 15 minutes. 

- Place browned butter, honey, and sugar into a stand mixer or bowl with hand mixer. Beat until well combined. 

- Add pumpkin, eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add flour, pudding mix, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips and nuts. Beat until just combined.

- Make dough into tablespoon size balls and place onto prepared baking sheet 1 inch apart. 

- Bake for 12-14 minutes, until baked through. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring. 

- SHARE and EAT! 

Makes 4-5 dozen cookies

HAPPY BAKING!