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EASY 3-INGREDIENT NO-BAKE COOL WHIP CANDY

This ridiculously easy recipe creates soft, chewy candies that resemble creamy fudge or bonbons, requiring only three ingredients and zero baking or oven time. They are perfect for holidays and quick dessert fixes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
1 minute
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 40 candies
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 81
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) Must be fully thawed in the refrigerator.
  • 1 3.4-ounce package instant pudding mix Any flavor (vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, or cheesecake work best).
  • 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) Needed for the dough consistency.
For Coating
  • 1/2 cup Confectioners’ sugar For rolling the finished candies.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Small cookie scoop or teaspoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Ensure the entire container of whipped topping is completely thawed in the refrigerator before starting the recipe. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Making the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping and the dry instant pudding mix. Use an electric hand mixer set to medium speed (or a sturdy spoon) and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  2. Measure out 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar and add it gradually to the whipped topping mixture. Mix slowly at first, then increase speed, continuing until the mixture transforms into a thick, firm dough. The dough should begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. If the dough remains sticky or too soft to handle easily, incorporate the remaining 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, adding it gradually until you achieve a stiff, workable consistency. This firm consistency is crucial for the final candy texture.
Shaping and Chilling
  1. Pour the reserved ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar onto a small plate or shallow bowl for coating. Scoop out portions of the candy dough using a ½ teaspoon or 1 teaspoon scoop.
  2. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Immediately roll the finished ball thoroughly in the coating sugar until it is completely covered.
  3. Place the coated candies onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all candies are shaped, place the sheet in the refrigerator.
  4. Chill the candies for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until they are completely firm and set. Serve chilled.

Notes

Pudding Mix Flavor: The flavor of the instant pudding mix is the dominant flavor of the final candy. For sophisticated flavors, try butterscotch, coconut cream, or lemon pudding. Coating Options: Instead of powdered sugar, try coating the chilled candies in finely shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or dipping them entirely in melted chocolate. Storage: Store the finished Cool Whip Candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw briefly before serving.