cookie dough recipe

Cookie Dough Recipe

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Cookie dough has a special place in many of our hearts. Whether you’re sneaking a taste before baking cookies or indulging in an edible version, cookie dough is undeniably delicious. But did you know there’s a way to make cookie dough that’s safe to eat without baking? This guide will walk you through a classic, edible cookie dough recipe that’s perfect for snacking, mixing into ice cream, or using as a topping for other desserts. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some dough!

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address why people love edible cookie dough. Traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs and untreated flour, both of which can pose health risks if eaten raw. However, edible cookie dough is made without raw eggs and uses heat-treated flour to eliminate the risk of bacteria, making it safe to enjoy straight from the bowl.

Edible cookie dough is also incredibly versatile. It can be eaten on its own, used as a dessert topping, mixed into ice cream, or shaped into truffles. It’s the ultimate treat for cookie lovers who can’t wait for the cookies to bake!

To make the best edible cookie dough, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. These ingredients are the foundation of most cookie dough recipes:

  • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, and it gives the dough a slight caramel flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and gives the dough that classic cookie taste.
  • Flour: The base of the dough, but for edible cookie dough, you’ll need to heat-treat it to make it safe.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to help the dough come together.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • Chocolate Chips: The classic addition to any cookie dough! You can also use other mix-ins like sprinkles, nuts, or candy.

The Importance of Heat-Treating Flour

Flour might seem harmless, but it can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli if consumed raw. That’s why it’s crucial to heat-treat the flour before using it in edible cookie dough. Heat-treating kills any potential bacteria, making the flour safe to eat raw.

How to Heat-Treat Flour

You can easily heat-treat flour at home using one of these methods:

  • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, then let it cool before using. Make sure the flour doesn’t brown.
  • Microwave Method: Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the flour reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow it to cool before adding it to the dough.

Once the flour is heat-treated, it’s safe to use in any raw cookie dough recipe.

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making the cookie dough! This recipe makes enough dough for 4-6 servings, but feel free to double it if you’re serving a crowd or simply want to indulge a little more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed for texture)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)

Instructions:

  1. Heat-Treat the Flour: If you haven’t done this already, follow the instructions above to heat-treat the flour.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until fully incorporated. The milk helps soften the dough and brings it together.
  4. Mix in the Flour and Salt: Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt to the mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. The dough will start to form.
  5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, fold in the chocolate chips. You can also add other mix-ins like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even mini candy pieces.
  6. Adjust the Texture: If the dough is too dry, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Your edible cookie dough is now ready to eat! Scoop it into bowls, roll it into balls, or even spread it over ice cream for an indulgent treat.
cookie dough recipe

One of the best things about making cookie dough at home is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are some fun ways to switch up your dough:

  • Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Swap out some of the butter for peanut butter, and add peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
  • Birthday Cake Cookie Dough: Add colorful sprinkles and a bit of almond extract to give your dough that classic birthday cake flavor.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a few drops of mint extract and green food coloring to your dough, and use mint chocolate chips for a refreshing treat.
  • Oatmeal Cookie Dough: Mix in rolled oats, cinnamon, and raisins to mimic the flavors of classic oatmeal cookies.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins and flavor combinations!

Edible cookie dough can be stored for later if you don’t finish it all in one go. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. The dough may harden as it chills, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
  • Freezer: You can freeze cookie dough for up to three months. Roll the dough into individual balls or spread it into a container. Let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

If you’re making a large batch, freezing individual portions makes it easy to grab a treat whenever the craving strikes!

Just because you have dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of cookie dough. With a few adjustments, you can create a version that fits your needs.

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. Ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free, and you’re good to go!

If you’re avoiding gluten, you can easily make gluten-free cookie dough by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to heat-treat the gluten-free flour the same way you would regular flour to make it safe to eat.

While eating cookie dough by the spoonful is perfectly acceptable, there are plenty of other fun ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas:

  • Ice Cream Topping: Crumble cookie dough over your favorite ice cream for a decadent sundae.
  • Cookie Dough Truffles: Roll the dough into balls, dip them in melted chocolate, and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. These make a perfect bite-sized treat.
  • Mix into Milkshakes: Blend chunks of cookie dough into a vanilla milkshake for a rich, creamy drink.
  • Bake It (Optional): Although this dough is designed to be eaten raw, you can bake small spoonfuls if you’re craving a warm, gooey cookie.

Even though making cookie dough is straightforward, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your dough turns out perfectly every time:

  • Using Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dough.
  • Not Creaming the Butter and Sugar Long Enough: Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to achieving a smooth texture. Make sure to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
  • Skipping the Heat-Treating Process: Don’t skip heat-treating the flour! This step is crucial to ensure the dough is safe to eat.
  • Adding Too Much Milk: Add milk gradually to avoid making the dough too runny. You want the dough to be soft but not overly wet.

There’s something truly satisfying about whipping up a batch of homemade cookie dough. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this sweet treat is always a hit. Plus, with the ability to customize flavors and mix-ins, you can create a dough that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.

Conclusion

In the world of desserts, few things bring as much joy as cookie dough. Whether you’re enjoying it straight from the bowl, mixing it into your ice cream, or rolling it into truffles, cookie dough is a treat that satisfies every sweet tooth. With this simple and safe cookie dough recipe, you can indulge without worrying about raw ingredients, and the customization options allow you to make it truly your own. By heat-treating the flour and skipping the raw eggs, you’ll have a delicious, versatile snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, whip up a batch of this edible cookie dough and enjoy a taste of pure, nostalgic comfort. Happy snacking!

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