Who doesn’t love cookie dough? Whether you eat it by the spoonful, mix it into ice cream, or bake it into soft, chewy cookies, a perfect cookie dough recipe is a must-have in any kitchen. If you’ve ever wondered how to make cookie dough at home that is both delicious and safe to eat, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best cookie dough recipe in just five easy steps!
Ingredients List
Before you start, gather the following ingredients. If you need substitutions, check the alternatives provided.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for a creamy, smooth texture)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (adds moisture and deep flavor)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (balances the sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (use heat-treated flour for safety)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for softer consistency)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for that classic cookie dough experience)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (only if you plan to bake it into cookies)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (adds crunch and richness)
- ½ cup mini M&Ms (for a colorful twist)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (adds a unique depth of flavor)
Timing
This cookie dough recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Mixing Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat-Treat the Flour
Since raw flour can carry bacteria, it’s best to heat-treat it before use. Simply spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool before using.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, making it smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Mix in vanilla extract and milk, ensuring the dough stays soft and scoopable.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the heat-treated flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. If making edible cookie dough, omit baking soda.
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins and Enjoy!
Fold in chocolate chips and any additional mix-ins. Your cookie dough is now ready to eat as-is or use as a base for other treats!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want a healthier version? Try these swaps:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute almond flour for a lower-carb variation.
- Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
- Add dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for more antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Dessert – Scoop into small bowls and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Ice Cream Mix-In – Stir into vanilla ice cream for a delicious cookie dough ice cream.
- With Dipping Options – Serve with pretzels, apple slices, or graham crackers.
- As a Cookie Base – Bake small portions at 350°F for 10 minutes to make soft cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping heat-treating the flour – Raw flour can be unsafe to eat.
- Overmixing the dough – Can make it too tough.
- Using melted butter – Results in a greasy dough.
- Adding too much flour – Makes the dough dry and crumbly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months for quick treats.
- Room Temperature: If serving immediately, keep at room temp for up to 2 hours.
Conclusion
Making homemade cookie dough is easier than ever with this 5-step recipe. Whether you enjoy it raw, mix it into ice cream, or bake it into cookies, this versatile dough will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Subscribe for more delicious recipes!
FAQs
1. Can I eat this cookie dough raw?
Yes! Since the flour is heat-treated and there are no raw eggs, it’s completely safe to eat.
2. Can I bake this cookie dough into cookies?
Yes! Just add ½ teaspoon baking soda and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
3. How can I make this dough dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and almond milk instead of regular butter and milk.
4. Can I freeze cookie dough?
Absolutely! Store pre-portioned dough balls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. What mix-ins can I add?
Try nuts, M&Ms, peanut butter chips, or even white chocolate for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade cookie dough, and happy baking! 🍪😊
Tools and Materials Needed for This Recipe
To make the perfect cookie dough recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Here are the top picks with recommended Amazon affiliate links:
- Electric Hand Mixer – Speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugar for a light, fluffy texture. Get Yours Now!
- Mixing Bowls (Set of 3) – Perfect for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. Shop Mixing Bowls Here!
- Baking Sheet – Essential for heat-treating flour to make it safe for edible cookie dough. Buy a Quality Baking Sheet!
- Spatula Set – Helps fold ingredients smoothly and scrape every bit of dough from the bowl. Take Yours Today!
- Airtight Storage Container – Keeps leftover cookie dough fresh for days. Order an Airtight Container Now!
With these tools, your cookie dough recipe will be easier and more enjoyable to make! 🍪 Shop now and start baking!
