If you adore the classic flavors of Boston Cream Pie but crave something a little handier to share, this Boston Cream Pie Cookies Recipe is a total game changer. Imagine soft, tender cookies infused with vanilla pudding, sandwiched around a silky chocolate ganache that melts effortlessly on your tongue. These cookies capture all the nostalgic joy of the beloved dessert in a perfectly portable treat, ideal for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or whenever a sweet indulgence calls your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Boston Cream Pie Cookies just right is all about a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness that makes these cookies so unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup softened): Provides a creamy base that helps keep the cookies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough evenly and aids in achieving a light texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together while adding richness and structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses that classic warm, fragrant note essential to Boston Cream flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation giving the cookies their structure and soft crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the baking powder to create perfect texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz dry): The secret ingredient for extra moistness and flavor depth.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a supple dough.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For making the luscious ganache topping.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Blended with chocolate chips to make that dreamily smooth ganache.
How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Parchment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking—a small step that makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This easy step incorporates air into the dough, giving you that soft cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This combination adds richness and amplifies the cookie’s classic Boston Cream flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix in a separate bowl. The pudding mix is a wonderful addition, lending subtle sweetness and moisture to the dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to your wet mixture gradually. This technique ensures a smooth, soft dough that’s easy to handle and will bake to the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Once done, let the cookies cool completely before handling.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cookies cool, gently heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour this over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy—the perfect rich finish for your cookies.
Step 8: Assemble Your Boston Cream Pie Cookies
Spread a spoonful of that shiny ganache on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a delightful sandwich. For an open-faced homage to the original pie, you can also leave them without a partner. Want an extra special treat? Try piping in a little vanilla custard or pastry cream for an authentic Boston Cream surprise.
How to Serve Boston Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, dust each assembled cookie with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a few mini chocolate chips on top of the ganache. Fresh berries also add a lovely pop of color and tartness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy break. For an indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to keep the flavors flowing effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Boston Cream Pie Cookies in a decorative tin or box for gifting. Alternatively, assemble a “build-your-own” cookie bar with different fillings and toppings, letting friends and family personalize their own take on this nostalgic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Boston Cream Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. If you prefer chilled cookies, refrigeration will extend their life for about a week but may slightly firm up the ganache.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies (unfilled) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently microwave a cookie sandwich for 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and brings out the cookie’s buttery flavor, making each bite feel freshly baked and utterly irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the instant vanilla pudding mix?
While the instant pudding mix adds moisture and flavor, you can try substituting it with homemade vanilla custard powder or omit it altogether, but expect slightly different texture and taste.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk gives the best richness and helps the dough stay soft, but you can swap in 2% or even non-dairy milk if needed, keeping in mind minor texture changes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How long will these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and about a week refrigerated.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate creates a richer, slightly more intense ganache that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie.
Final Thoughts
This Boston Cream Pie Cookies Recipe is pure joy wrapped up in a bite-sized package, combining familiar flavors with playful ease. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe box. Go ahead and give them a try—you won’t regret bringing this delightful twist on a classic into your kitchen!
Print
Boston Cream Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Boston Cream Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of the iconic dessert in a delightful cookie sandwich. Soft vanilla pudding-infused cookies are baked to perfection, then sandwiched with a rich, smooth chocolate ganache, creating a perfect blend of creamy and chocolatey indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds air and improves texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine and build structure in the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix to evenly distribute leavening and flavor.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with whole milk into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spread during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or a wire rack, which is important for the ganache application.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a spoonful of the chocolate ganache on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to make a sandwich, or leave open-faced for a classic Boston Cream Pie presentation.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- To enhance authenticity, pipe vanilla custard or pastry cream between cookies instead of ganache.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Ganache can be gently reheated if it thickens too much before spreading.
