Easy Vanilla Pudding with Cookies—No Baking Needed
Imagine creamy vanilla pudding with a satisfying crunch from crushed cookies… and you didn’t even have to bake.
That’s exactly what this 10-minute dessert delivers. It’s fast, fun, and ridiculously satisfying.
Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a quick treat for unexpected visitors, this dessert has you covered—no oven required, promise.
Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups instant vanilla pudding mix or the kind from the box—no shame in convenience
- 2 cups cold milk for the pudding; adjust per box instructions
- 1 cup crushed cookies Oreos, chocolate wafers, or whatever cookie you love smashing
- Whipped cream optional, but come on, who says no?
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles optional for extra flair
Instructions
- Make the pudding. In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Boom—instant creamy goodness.
- Crush the cookies. Toss them in a plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin, or just break them up with your hands. Rough pieces = crunchy texture, fine crumbs = soft layering. Both are good.
- Layer it up. In a serving dish or individual cups, start with a layer of pudding, sprinkle a layer of crushed cookies, repeat until all pudding and cookies are used. Finish with a few cookie crumbs on top for looks.
- Optional whipped cream. Add a dollop on top for extra indulgence. You’re fancy now.
- Chill or eat immediately. You can dig in right away or let it sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for a slightly firmer texture.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s break it down: why should you care about this quick dessert?
- It’s idiot-proof. Seriously, even if your kitchen skills are “experimental,” you can’t mess this up.
- No oven, no stress. Smooth vanilla pudding and crushed cookies do all the heavy lifting.
- Sweet + crunchy = happiness. The creamy pudding contrasts perfectly with the cookie crunch, giving your taste buds a tiny party.
- 10 minutes from start to finish. No exaggeration. If you can measure and stir, you can make this.
- Perfect for guests or solo indulgence. Looks fancy enough for friends but easy enough for a Netflix binge.
Basically, this recipe is a cheat code for dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip this dessert together:
- 2 cups instant vanilla pudding mix (or the kind from the box—no shame in convenience)
- 2 cups cold milk (for the pudding; adjust per box instructions)
- 1 cup crushed cookies (Oreos, chocolate wafers, or whatever cookie you love smashing)
- Whipped cream (optional, but come on, who says no?)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional for extra flair)
Pro tip: Use cookies you actually like—this is dessert, not a science experiment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the pudding. In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Boom—instant creamy goodness.
- Crush the cookies. Toss them in a plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin, or just break them up with your hands. Rough pieces = crunchy texture, fine crumbs = soft layering. Both are good.
- Layer it up. In a serving dish or individual cups, start with a layer of pudding, sprinkle a layer of crushed cookies, repeat until all pudding and cookies are used. Finish with a few cookie crumbs on top for looks.
- Optional whipped cream. Add a dollop on top for extra indulgence. You’re fancy now.
- Chill or eat immediately. You can dig in right away or let it sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for a slightly firmer texture.
Voilà. Dessert done.
How to Serve
- Serve in clear glasses or bowls so people can see the layers—looks fancy, requires zero effort.
- Great for parties, lunchboxes, or midnight snacks.
- Sprinkle extra cookie crumbs or chocolate shavings on top just before serving for that “chef vibes” look.
Nutrition Facts (approx. per serving, makes 4–6)
- Calories: ~220–250
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
Yes, indulgent—but you’re allowed. Dessert calories don’t count when it’s layered with cookies and pudding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm milk. Pudding needs cold milk for the right texture. Warm milk = sad, runny pudding.
- Over-crushing cookies. Dusty crumbs aren’t fun. Keep a mix of small chunks and crumbs.
- Skipping layers. Pudding-only dessert? Fine. But layering makes it Instagram-worthy.
- Waiting too long to eat. Honestly, it’s best fresh unless you like soft, soggy cookies.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Cookies: Oreos, chocolate wafers, graham crackers, or even gingersnaps—go wild.
- Pudding: Chocolate, caramel, or butterscotch instant pudding works if vanilla isn’t your vibe.
- Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy-free options.
- Toppings: Whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. Fun is encouraged.
This recipe is flexible—make it yours without stress.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: instant vanilla pudding with crushed cookies, a dessert that’s creamy, crunchy, and done in 10 minutes flat.
It’s fast, forgiving, and makes you look like a dessert pro without even trying.
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with this sweet little victory.
You’ve earned it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a slightly firmer texture. Perfect for parties.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Absolutely. Life’s short—convenience is fine.
Can I make it chocolate pudding instead?
Yep. Chocolate or even caramel pudding works beautifully.
Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Totally. Flavor stays amazing, texture is slightly different—still delicious.
Do I need to chill it before eating?
Nope! You can dig in right away, but 10–15 minutes in the fridge makes it extra creamy.
Can I layer it in jars for gifts?
Yes! Cute jars make it feel fancy, and they travel well.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin for cookies?
Your hands or a heavy pan work perfectly—smash away.
