Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

Four sweet and easy layers make this chocolate chip cookie delight a welcome treat for almost any occasion. This homey dessert combines the familiarity of a chocolate chip cookie base with layers of cream and a chocolate and vanilla pudding-filled center. Though it does comprise a few components, it’s actually a simple recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck or just looking for a family dessert that’s easy to make and stores well, chocolate chip cookie delight is a must-try.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

• Chocolate chip cookie dough: A tube of ready-made chocolate chip cookie dough, baked into a thin layer, forms the base of the dessert. It absorbs moisture from the layers above, so it provides a sweet and tender foundation with a little more structure than the creamy layers on top.
• Cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and frozen whipped topping: A second layer is smooth and creamy, made from softened cream cheese whipped with confectioners’ sugar and lightened with whipped topping. More of the whipped topping acts as the final layer on top.
• Milk and pudding mixes: Cold milk whisked vigorously with instant chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes forms the chocolaty third layer. Make sure to buy instant pudding mix for this recipe, as stovetop pudding mix won’t thicken unless it’s cooked.
• Optional toppings: A sprinkle of chopped nuts and miniature semisweet chocolate chips or chocolate curls gives this layered dessert a sweet appearance, but you can customize the toppings however you like.

Directions

Step 1: Make the cookie base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the cookie dough stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften. Press the cookie dough into an ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan, then bake it until it’s golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes. Let the pan cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the cream cheese layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in 1-3/4 cups of the whipped topping, then spread the mixture over the cookie base.

Step 3: Mix the pudding layer

In another large bowl, whisk the milk and both pudding mixes for two minutes. Spread this over the cream cheese layer.

Editor’s Tip: Be sure to beat or whisk the pudding for a full two minutes to thicken it. A hand mixer on medium speed is a good choice, but hand-whisking and a little elbow grease will work too.

Step 4: Add the final layers and chill

Top with the remaining whipped topping, then sprinkle with nuts and chocolate, if desired. Cover and refrigerate the dessert until it’s firm, eight hours or overnight.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight Variations

• DIY the cookie dough: You have to love how low-fuss this recipe is, but if you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and are feeling ambitious, by all means substitute that dough for the prepared dough.
• Add a layer of fruit: Spread a layer of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, between the cookie crust and the cream cheese layer.
• Use a different type of pudding: Experiment with different flavors of pudding, such as cheesecake or caramel, to change the taste of the dessert.
• Add cookie crunch: Crumble a layer of store-bought cookies on top of the pudding layer for a crunchy texture and a hint at what’s inside.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

The best way to store leftover chocolate chip cookie delight is to cover it tightly, then refrigerate it for up to three days.

Can you freeze chocolate chip cookie delight?

Yes! You can freeze a whole recipe or individual servings of cookie delight for up to three months.  Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes just before serving.

Can you make this chocolate cookie dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this chocolate chip cookie delight recipe ahead of time! And in fact, this recipe requires time in the fridge for all the layers to firm up before it can be sliced into neat squares. Prepare it up to two days ahead of time, and it’ll be ready to serve when you are.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight Tips

Can I use a different type of store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use different types of prepared cookie dough, such as sugar cookie dough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this chocolate cookie dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free cookie dough such as Sweet Loren’s. The other ingredients, including leading brands of instant pudding mix, are all gluten-free.

How do I prevent the dessert from becoming too soft?

To prevent this sweet treat from becoming too soft, be sure to refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re serving it on a hot day, set the casserole directly into a similarly sized dish filled with ice to help keep it chilled.