There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the taste of cookie dough.
For many of us, sneaking a spoonful of raw cookie dough while baking cookies was a cherished childhood memory. However, the potential risks associated with raw eggs and untreated flour often put a damper on this delightful indulgence. Enter edible cookie dough: a safe and scrumptious alternative that lets you enjoy this classic treat without any worries.
What Makes Edible Cookie Dough Safe?
This cookie dough is specially formulated to be safe for consumption without baking. Here’s how:
- Egg-Free Recipe: Traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs, which can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Edible cookie dough recipes eliminate this risk by using no eggs or pasteurized egg substitutes.
- Heat-Treated Flour: Raw flour can also be a source of bacteria such as E. coli. To make edible cookie dough safe, the flour is heat-treated to kill any potential pathogens. You can do this at home by baking the flour at a low temperature before using it in your recipe.
The Versatility of Edible Cookie Dough
One of the best things about edible cookie dough is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
- Straight from the Spoon: Sometimes, simplicity is best. Dive right into a bowl of edible cookie dough for an immediate sweet fix.
- As a Topping: Add scoops of cookie dough to your ice cream, yogurt, or even pancakes for an extra layer of decadence.
- In Desserts: Use edible cookie dough as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or cookie sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
How to use edible cookie dough in creative and delicious ways? Here are some fun ideas to get you started:
- Cookie Dough Ice Cream Topping: Scoop some edible cookie dough onto your favorite ice cream. The combination of creamy ice cream and chewy cookie dough bits is irresistible.
- Cookie Dough Sandwiches: Spread cookie dough between two graham crackers or cookies for a quick and delightful treat.
- Cookie Dough Truffles: Roll the dough into small balls and dip them in melted chocolate to create decadent truffles. Let them set in the refrigerator before enjoying.
- Mix-In for Milkshakes: Blend chunks of cookie dough into a vanilla or chocolate milkshake for an indulgent, chunky treat.
- Cookie Dough Brownies: Swirl dollops of cookie dough into brownie batter before baking. The result is a gooey, chocolatey dessert with pockets of cookie dough goodness.
- Cookie Dough Dip: Soften the dough and mix it with a little cream cheese or whipped cream to create a dip for fruit, pretzels, or graham crackers.
- Fill Cupcakes: Hollow out the center of baked cupcakes and fill them with a spoonful of cookie dough for a surprising and delicious core.
- Layered Cookie Bars: Press cookie dough into the bottom of a baking dish and top with layers of chocolate, caramel, and nuts before baking for a rich and satisfying treat.
- Cookie Dough Pops: Insert a stick into cookie dough balls and dip them in a variety of coatings like chocolate, sprinkles, or crushed nuts. These make for fun, bite-sized treats.
- Snacking Straight from the Tub: Of course, the simplest way is often the best—enjoy a spoonful of edible cookie dough straight from the container for a quick and satisfying snack.
Get creative and experiment with your own combinations to discover new favorite ways to enjoy edible cookie dough!
What ingredients do I need to make edible cookie dough?
- all-purpose flour (heat-treated to kill any bacteria)
- unsalted butter
- brown sugar
- granulated sugar
- milk (any kind you prefer)
- vanilla extract
- salt
- chocolate chips or chunks (or any mix-ins you like)
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up a delicious batch of safe-to-eat cookie dough that everyone can enjoy!
How to Heat Treat Flour:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring it is not piled too high to allow for even heating. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the flour heat for about 5-10 minutes. It’s important to stir the flour occasionally to prevent any parts from burning and to ensure that it heats uniformly.
Using a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature of the flour reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is properly heat-treated and safe to use in recipes that won’t be baked, like cookie dough or other raw treats. Once the flour has reached the right temperature, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before using it in your recipes. Store any excess heat-treated flour in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future use.
How to store leftover edible cookie dough:
- First, ensure the cookie dough is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- If you plan to use it within a week, refrigerate the dough.
- For longer storage, you can freeze it. Simply portion the dough into individual servings or roll it into a log shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator until it reaches the desired consistency. This method not only preserves the dough’s freshness but also makes it convenient to have a sweet treat ready whenever the craving strikes.
Can I make edible cookie dough gluten free?
Absolutely! Making edible cookie dough gluten-free is quite simple and just as delicious. Start by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many stores offer ready-made gluten-free flour mixes that work perfectly in place of traditional wheat flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as vanilla extract and chocolate chips, are also labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Edible Cookie Dough
Best edible cookie dough recipe, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the worry of raw eggs or flour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
First, you'll need to heat-treat the flour to ensure it's safe to eat. Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the cooled, heat-treated flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
Your edible cookie dough is now ready to enjoy! You can eat it straight from the bowl, roll it into balls, or use it as a topping for ice cream and other desserts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy your delicious, safe-to-eat treat!
