DIY Holiday Baking: Cake Batter Cookies

Every year I fool myself into thinking I'm going to become a master baker during the holiday season. I bookmark complicated looking breads and pastries, only  realizing until much later that I'm going to have to buy half the equipment required to bake them. That doesn't stop me from aiming high though, and I begin  more than one grocery shopping list before abandoning it due to lack of funds. Despite my high hopes, the reality is I probably try two or three new recipes every year and rarely venture outside of my chocolate chip filled comfort zone. Every once in awhile however, I find something so great I feel the need to share with others. And yes, these have passed the boyfriend test.

1 1/2 sticks (or 3/4 cup) real butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

3/4 cup yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1 tsp real vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

2-1/4 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

optional: sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 F. Stir together flour, salt and baking soda and set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Add in pudding package and cake mix and beat until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add flour mixture slowly until well incorporated.  Roll into 1" balls and place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes.