HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  I have a treat for you today … no tricks.  Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies with Pumpkin Spice M&M’s!

Let me tell you … these cookies are a treat!  I finally made pudding cookies … seen them everywhere … kept talking about them … so happy that I made them!

These cookies are soft, moist and double chocolate … what’s not to love?  Oh, don’t forget the Pumpkin Spice M&M’s, they add crunch and a wonderful spice flavor!  These M&M’s are a Target exclusive item (I’ve also seen them on Amazon, eBay and Etsy).

In past years, I’ve had a difficult time finding autumn themed candy after Halloween … the shelves are filled with Christmas candy immediately!  A few days ago, I saw candy canes at Wal-Mart … yikes!  I am going to stock up on things that I may need for Thanksgiving … maybe it will be on clearance 😉

Let’s get down to cookie making.  Here are a few things that you will need in addition to the normal flour, butter, etc. …

Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies with Pumpkin Spice M&M’s

                                                           adapted from Kraft Recipes

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 package Instant Chocolate Pudding (3.9 ounce)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cup flour (I used unbleached)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 bag M&M’s Pumpkin Spice (9.9 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 350° F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy.   Add dry pudding mix and beat well.
3. Add eggs, vanilla and baking soda, mix well.
4. Gradually beat in flour until well blended.
5. Add mini chocolate chips and mix well.
6. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough on prepared pans, 2″ apart.
7. Place 3 – 4 M&M’s on each cookie and press down lightly. (I used 3 on each cookie, had some candy leftover as seen in the photos)
8. Bake 10-13 minutes.  Cool for a few minutes on baking sheets, then remove to wire racks.  Cool completely.  Makes 42 cookies.

I will be making pudding cookies again … the flavor combinations are endless!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

A few weeks ago, the hubby and I went to a movie theatre to see Captain Phillips.  The hubby wanted to arrive at 6:30pm … I wasn’t ready … arrived at 7:00 … the 7:20 showing was sold-out … got tickets to the 9:20 showing … went shopping to kill time … found nothing for me … found something for you instead!  So … you can thank the popularity of Tom Hanks for this giveaway …

This is my treat to one lucky reader … a few fall things … two dish towels, a silicone spatula and leaf doilies 😉

To enter the giveaway, share your favorite fall flavor combo, in the comments section below.  Do you like pumpkin and chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg, cranberry and turkey … or just say “Hi”!

The Rules:  One entry person.  Deadline to enter is Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 11:59pm.  Winner will be drawn using Random.org and announced on this page Monday, November 4.  I will also send the winner an email.   Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. This giveaway is now over.

This giveaway is sponsored by me!

Monday, November 4, 2013 … Random.org selected #18 … Amy Orvin!!!  Congratulations Amy!  I hope you enjoy your prize 🙂  (I will be sending you an email to get your mailing info, please respond ASAP)

BTW … I loved reading all of the comments … great flavor combos … I agree with each and every one!