If you’ve ever wanted to combine the nostalgic pleasure of raw cookie dough with the joy of freshly baked cookies, then this Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies have everything you crave: a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, pockets of rich chocolate chips, and that irresistible buttery, sweet flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in all by yourself, this recipe brings cookie dough and cookies together in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously is the secret to baking these divine treats. Each component plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture to that perfect golden-brown color and rich flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The essential base that gives your cookies structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, contributing to their light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture that keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep caramel flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic depth to every bite.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The star addition that adds melty, gooey pockets of chocolate delight.
How to Make Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for getting that perfect golden edge with a soft center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make your cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which is crucial for balanced flavor and texture in your Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough so your cookies won’t be dense.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to bring all those sweet and buttery notes to life.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so a light hand is key. Then fold in the chocolate chips evenly for delightful pockets of chocolate throughout.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. This spacing ensures every cookie gets the perfect chewy edge without merging into its neighbor.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Slightly Underbaked
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers still look a little underbaked. This guarantees that signature soft and chewy texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack for complete cooling.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can take these cookies to the next level by balancing sweetness and enhancing the chocolate chips’ richness. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a lovely visual and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these Cookie Dough Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate classic pairing. For a grown-up twist, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates an unforgettable dessert experience that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies on a decorative plate tied with a ribbon as a sweet homemade gift. You can also sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting or Nutella for a decadent cookie sandwich. It’s a delightful variation that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cookie Dough Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will help maintain their soft texture and fresh-baked flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough balls onto a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, just pop them directly into the oven without thawing for perfectly fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen-baked cookies back to life, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This revives their soft texture and enhances the melted chocolate bliss.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for this Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe?
While you can substitute margarine, butter provides flavor and texture that margarine generally cannot match. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough in this recipe?
This recipe involves baking the cookie dough, so it’s best enjoyed fully cooked. Raw dough contains raw eggs and flour, which can pose health risks if consumed uncooked.
How can I make these cookies crispier?
If you prefer a crispier cookie, try baking them a minute or two longer and using slightly less brown sugar, which adds moisture for chewiness. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit can be stirred in along with the chocolate chips to customize your Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe to your mood and tastes.
What is the best way to measure flour for this recipe?
For accuracy, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a joyful celebration of everything we love about cookies and cookie dough rolled into one. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, bringing smiles and sweet moments to anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.
Print
Cookie Dough Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously classic Cookie Dough Cookies featuring a soft and chewy texture with a perfect balance of sweet chocolate chips and buttery dough. This easy-to-make recipe produces approximately 24 cookies that are golden at the edges and slightly soft in the center, ideal for satisfying your cookie cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Beat Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your cookies once cooled.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
