This post was originally published April 30, 2013 but has been updated in August of 2018 with new photos.
A spin on the nostalgic orange slice cookies, these Sour Patch Kids Cookies are the perfect mix of soft and sweet! The sourness tones down a lot after baking and the cookies have a nice fruity taste. I know they sound strange, but everyone that tries them has been pleasantly surprised!
Having been inspired by a childhood favorite, I decided it was time to take a little spin on an old time recipe that used orange slice candies in a basic cookie dough. The cookies are made from one of my favorite chocolate chip cookie bases and are an ode to the orange slice pudding cookies we used to make.
The dough uses instant vanilla pudding mix to give it a soft texture, as well as a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent the cookies from flattening out. I have yet to be failed by this dough and it really is my go-to for most cookie bases. I’ve been failed by one too many dough recipes to look back now.
What You Need to Make Sour Patch Kids Cookies
- Butter
- Brown Sugar & White Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Instant Vanilla Pudding
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Baking Soda
- Flour
- Sour Patch Kids Candy
How to Make Sour Patch Kids Cookies
Step 1: Slice Sour Patch Candy In Half
To prevent large pieces of gummy (as well as the effort to spread them out) cut the kids in half (yes, that sounds horrible). Disclaimer: no children were harmed in the making of this recipe.
Step 2: Mix Dough & Add in Sour Patch Kids
Beat butter and sugars together. Add vanilla, pudding, baking soda, and eggs. Mix together, then slowly add cornstarch and flour. Mix until combined and all flour disappears. Add 3/4 cup of the cut sour patch kids candy to the cookie dough and mix until combined.
Step 3: Scoop, Roll, and Bake
Use a 2-tablespoon sized cookie scoop to scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your hands to roll each scoop into a ball. This will help it bake more evenly.
Step 4: Add Sour Patch Kids to Top
If desired: immediately after baking, press in the remaining 1/4 cup of sour patch kids for a pretty presentation.
Sour Patch Kids Cookies
These Sour Patch Kids cookies are the perfect mix of soft and sweet! The sourness tones down a lot after baking and the cookies have a nice fruity taste. I know they sound strange, but everyone that tries them has been pleasantly surprised!

Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pkg. 4 serving size instant vanilla pudding
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup Sour Patch Kids (cut 3/4 cup of the gummies in half to add into the dough and reserve 1/4 cup to press into the top after baking)
Instructions
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Use a knife to cut the Sour Patch Kids in half. Set aside.
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Beat butter and sugars together for about 30 seconds until combined.
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Add vanilla, pudding, baking soda, and eggs. Mix together, then slowly add cornstarch and flour. Once flour disappears, add in 3/4 cup of the cut Sour Patch Kids and mix until combined.
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Use a 2-tablespoon sized cookie scoop to scoop dough onto parchment lined baking sheet. Use your hands to roll each scoop into a ball.
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Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes.
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For presentation purposes, press the remaining 1/4 cup of Sour Patch Kids into the top of the baked cookies immediately after removing from the oven.
Nutrition
Most people are a bit skeptical when seeing sour candy in cookies. And I totally understand that, I was too. But the sourness tones down a lot after baking and they actually have a nice fruity taste. Everyone that has tried them said they were pleasantly surprised. So if you’re in doubt, give them a try! I dare you.
And there you have it. Just another way to get in that dose of one of my favorite sweet treats.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Sour Patch kids and was not paid to create this post. I’m just mildly obsessed, that’s all.
Alexis A. says
Um, this is amazing. I can’t wait to make these for my husband and to share with friends! :)
(I’m so glad there are others who are obsessed with Sour Patch Kids, too!)
Yen says
OH MAN. I have to try this with the watermelon or my favorite.. the berry SPK!
Danielle says
No children were harmed…haha that cracked me up! I love Sour Patch Kids and will definitely be trying this!
Funny side note about SPK’s…about a year ago I had a blocked salivary gland (no idea how it happened) and it hurt for a good 3-4 days before I went to the doctor about it. I kid you not, his instructions were to go buy and eat a bunch of sour candy and it worked perfectly!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
Rachell says
So I was looking for a fun way to incorporate sour patch kids into a baby shower menu and this is it! Thank you so much!
The DIY Show says
My son is a Sour Patch Kid, lol!!! Thanks for sharing, found you at AllThingsWithAPurpose.