1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and dry vanilla pudding mix. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
5. Sprinkle the top of each cookie generously with coarse sugar.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.