The Ultimate Treat for Any Occasion

If you’re a cookie lover, this recipe is going to change your baking game forever. These Cookie Dough Cookies combine the nostalgia of raw cookie dough with the satisfaction of a perfectly baked cookie, topped with creamy frosting and loaded with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re making these for a party, a cozy evening at home, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is foolproof and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is for anyone who loves the rich, buttery flavor of cookie dough but prefers it in a slightly more refined, baked form. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting that brings everything together. Add mini chocolate chips and cookie dough bites for texture and indulgence, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Kid-Approved: The sweet, colorful garnish makes these cookies a hit with kids.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser at gatherings, bake sales, or holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup cookie dough bites

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep Work

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Gradually stir in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.

3. Scoop and Shape

• Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out cookie dough balls.
• Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each ball.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 9 minutes, keeping an eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake.
• Remove them from the oven and immediately shape the edges using a large cup or cookie cutter for uniform, bakery-style cookies.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

5. Prepare the Frosting

• While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

6. Decorate the Cookies

• Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies using a zippered bag with the corner snipped off. Spread the frosting evenly with a knife.
• Garnish with mini chocolate chips and cookie dough bites for a delightful finish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large cup or cookie cutter for shaping
• Zippered bag for piping frosting

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookie Dough Cookies

1. Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming, but not melted.
2. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This ingredient adds softness and a chewy texture to the cookies.
3. Uniform Sizing: Using a cookie scoop ensures evenly baked cookies every time.
4. Quick Shaping Hack: Shaping the cookies with a cup while they’re warm gives them a professional, uniform look.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a double-chocolate version.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Substitute peanut butter for half of the butter in the cookie dough.
• Seasonal Garnishes: Use festive sprinkles or colored frosting for holidays like Christmas or Halloween.

How to Store Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: To extend their shelf life, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and frost them when ready to serve.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a decadent dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with hot fudge.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and whip it again before using.

Can I skip the frosting?

While the cookies are delicious on their own, the frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s hard to beat!

Final Thoughts

These Cookie Dough Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and indulgent toppings, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and delivers stunning results.

If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!