Table of Contents

• Reasons to Love These Cookie Dough Cookies
• What You’ll Need for Perfect Cookie Dough Cookies
• Crafting Homemade Edible Cookie Dough
• Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cookie Dough Cookies
• Expert Tips and Creative Variations
• How to Store Your Cookie Dough Cookies
• More Easy Cookie Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
• Cookie Dough Cookies Full Recipe Card

Reasons to Love These Irresistible Cookie Dough Cookies

These cookie dough cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, designed to impress while remaining accessible for any home baker. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Delightful Edible Cookie Dough. The star of the show is, without a doubt, the homemade edible cookie dough. This component is an absolute game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the beloved taste and texture of raw cookie dough without any of the concerns associated with risky ingredients like raw eggs and uncooked flour. By heat-treating the flour, we ensure complete safety, making this a guilt-free indulgence. This versatile edible cookie dough isn’t just for decorating these cookies; it’s a fantastic recipe to keep on hand for any time a cookie dough craving strikes! You can snack on it plain, mix it into ice cream, or use it in other creative desserts. It adds an incredible depth of flavor and an exciting textural contrast to these already amazing cookies.
• Truly Bakery-Worthy Appearance and Taste. Prepare to impress! These cookies possess a professional, high-end appearance that makes them look as though they came straight from a gourmet bakery window. With their perfectly frosted tops, studded with mini edible cookie dough balls and chocolate chips, they are visually stunning. Yet, despite their sophisticated look, they are crafted using common pantry ingredients, eliminating the need for expensive specialty items. You get all the elegance and deliciousness of a professional bakery treat, but with the added satisfaction and cost savings of homemade baking.
• Remarkably Easy to Make. Don’t let their impressive appearance intimidate you; these cookie dough cookies are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The foundation consists of standard, soft-baked sugar cookies, combined with a classic, easy-to-whip-up buttercream frosting. The secret to their “cookie dough” flavor lies in the clever addition of brown sugar to the frosting, which imparts that signature deep, molasses-rich taste. Best of all, the dough for the main cookies requires no chilling, meaning you can mix, bake, and enjoy them much faster than traditional sugar cookie recipes. This simplicity makes them an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and enthusiastic beginners alike.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Cookie Dough Cookies

Crafting these delectable cookie dough cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. I’ve included some quick notes below to guide you. For the complete, detailed ingredient list and precise measurements for these amazing cookie dough cookies, please scroll down to the printable recipe card located further down the page.

• Unsalted Butter – For both the cookies and the frosting, unsalted butter is my go-to choice. It gives you complete control over the salt content in your baking, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Remember to soften it to room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Sugars – We use a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar. The granulated sugar provides classic sweetness and helps with crisp edges, while the light brown sugar adds a wonderful depth of flavor, extra moisture, and that signature chewy texture that is so reminiscent of cookie dough. If absolutely necessary, you can make these cookies with all granulated or all brown sugar, but the combination yields the best results.
• Eggs and Vanilla Extract – Eggs bind the cookie dough and contribute to its structure and richness. High-quality vanilla extract is essential for a truly delicious flavor. You can opt for vanilla paste for an even more intense vanilla aroma, but I strongly advise against using artificial vanilla, as it can impart an undesirable aftertaste.
• Dry Ingredients – Our core dry ingredients include all-purpose flour for structure, baking soda and baking powder for lift and tenderness, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
• Cornstarch – This is a secret ingredient that makes a significant difference! A tablespoon of cornstarch contributes to an incredibly soft and chewy interior for your sugar cookies, while simultaneously promoting a delicately crisp exterior. It’s a simple trick that elevates the texture of these bakery-style treats.
• Brown Sugar Frosting – The creamy topping for these cookies is a rich brown sugar frosting. It starts with a classic vanilla buttercream frosting base, but the addition of brown sugar transforms it, giving it a deeper, more caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the cookie dough theme. Its smooth, spreadable consistency is ideal for topping our thick cookies.
• Edible Cookie Dough – This is the key component that brings the “double cookie dough” element to life. You can purchase store-bought edible cookie dough for convenience, or easily make your own using our recipe (detailed below). While I use classic chocolate chip edible cookie dough, feel free to experiment with any flavor you’d like, such as peanut butter or sprinkle dough!
• Mini Chocolate Chips – These tiny morsels are folded into the homemade edible cookie dough for texture and flavor. They also serve as a charming extra garnish, scattered over the frosted cookies for a professional and tempting finish.

Understanding and Executing Heat-Treated Flour for Safe Edible Cookie Dough

If you’re embarking on the delicious journey of making edible cookie dough from scratch, one crucial step is to heat-treat the flour. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an important safety measure. Raw flour, much like raw eggs, can sometimes harbor bacteria such as E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illness. To ensure your edible cookie dough is completely safe to consume, it’s essential to heat the flour to an internal temperature of 160ºF (71ºC) to effectively kill off any potential bacteria. Luckily, there are two straightforward and easy ways to achieve this:

• The Microwave Method (My Preferred Choice). This is by far the quickest and most convenient method. Simply place your raw all-purpose flour into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short, 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval to ensure even heating. Continue this process until a thermometer inserted into the flour registers 160ºF (71ºC). This typically takes about a minute or slightly more, depending on your microwave’s power. Be cautious not to overheat or burn the flour.
• The Oven Method. If you prefer to use your oven, spread the raw flour out evenly in a thin layer on a clean baking sheet. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for a brief 5 minutes. The goal is to heat it without browning. After baking, remove the flour from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before incorporating it into your edible cookie dough recipe. Cooling is vital to prevent it from melting your butter or altering the dough’s consistency.

Crafting Your Own Homemade Edible Cookie Dough for Topping

Making your own edible cookie dough is incredibly satisfying and ensures you have the freshest, safest ingredients for topping your cookies. Our recipe for edible cookie dough utilizes many of the same foundational ingredients as our baked sugar cookies, providing a cohesive flavor profile. The primary distinctions for the edible version are the use of heat-treated flour (as detailed above for safety) and the omission of eggs and leavening agents, ensuring it’s perfectly safe and delicious to eat raw. Plus, we fold in plenty of mini chocolate chips for that classic chocolate chip cookie dough experience!

Once you’ve successfully heat-treated your flour and allowed it to cool, follow these simple steps to mix your irresistible edible cookie dough:

• Cream the Wet Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, incorporating air for a smoother texture. Then, add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until these liquid ingredients are mostly smooth and fully integrated into the sugar and butter mixture.
• Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. Next, gradually stir in your cooled, heat-treated all-purpose flour and the pinch of salt. Mix gently until the dough just begins to come together and forms a cohesive mass. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can develop the gluten in the flour too much. Once the dough has formed, gently fold in your mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Roll and Chill for Perfection. To prepare for decorating, take small portions of the edible cookie dough and roll them into mini, bite-sized balls. The size can vary based on your preference for topping the cookies, but aim for consistency. Once rolled, arrange these dough balls on a plate or small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until you are ready to decorate your baked cookies. Chilling helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and ensuring they hold their shape beautifully on the warm frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Irresistible Cookie Dough Cookies

While your homemade edible cookie dough is chilling in the fridge, perfectly firming up for decoration, let’s turn our attention to preparing, baking, and ultimately decorating the wonderfully chewy and soft-baked cookie dough cookies themselves. This section will walk you through the process for the main cookie and its frosting. For the complete, printable recipe instructions with precise measurements, make sure to scroll down to the dedicated recipe card after this post.

• Prepare the Wet Ingredients. Begin by creaming together the softened unsalted butter with both the rich brown sugar and the fine granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and visibly well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ light texture. Subsequently, beat in the vanilla extract and the whole eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a smooth, emulsified base.
• Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch (our secret for softness!), baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are barely combined and a cohesive dough forms. It’s crucial not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
• Portion and Shape the Cookies. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out approximately 2-3 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms. Place these dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving ample space between them to allow for spreading. Gently press down on each cookie ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten them. This helps them bake more evenly and achieve that desirable bakery-style thickness.
• Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the cookies for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly set and firm, and the tops look dry. They should not be significantly browned. Remember that cookies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven, so slightly underbaked centers will result in a chewier cookie. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before even thinking about frosting them. Warm cookies will melt the frosting!
• Prepare and Frost the Cookies. While the cookies are cooling, prepare your decadent brown sugar frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, combine all the frosting ingredients (softened butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract). Beat them together with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If it appears too thick, add an additional splash of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous and even layer of frosting over the top of each cookie. I recommend frosting a few cookies at a time, as you’ll want to add the edible cookie dough balls before the frosting has a chance to fully set.
• Decorate for the Grand Finale. Immediately after frosting each batch of cookies, sprinkle the tops with mini chocolate chips for extra visual appeal and a burst of chocolate flavor. Then, gently press 2-3 of your chilled mini edible cookie dough balls onto the surface of each frosted cookie. Arrange them aesthetically to create that ultimate bakery-style look. Once decorated, allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or storing.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Your Cookie Dough Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookie dough cookies at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques and creative adjustments. Here are some expert tips and delicious variations to ensure your cookies are nothing short of perfect every time:

• Always Use Room-Temperature Ingredients. This is a fundamental rule in baking, especially for cookies and frostings. You will need softened, room-temperature butter for both the main cookie dough and the edible cookie dough. Room temperature butter creams much more smoothly with sugar, creating a light, airy base that results in a tender, evenly textured cookie. If you forget to take your butter out ahead of time, a quick trick is to microwave it in very short, 10-second increments, being careful not to melt it completely. It should be pliable, but not greasy or liquid. Similarly, room-temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter, preventing a curdled appearance.
• Avoid Overbaking for the Perfect Chewy Texture. The secret to achieving perfectly soft-baked, chewy cookies with a slight crisp on the outside is knowing when to pull them from the oven. Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should be removed when their tops appear just dry and the edges are lightly set, but the centers still look slightly soft. If your cookies start to brown significantly on top, they are likely overbaked and will become dry and crumbly once cooled. Since all ovens can vary in temperature and baking performance, I highly recommend checking these cookies at the earliest suggested baking time and adjusting from there based on your specific oven. A minute or two can make all the difference!
• Explore Different Frosting Flavors and Topping Ideas. While our brown sugar frosting is a perfect complement, don’t hesitate to customize!
  • Chocolate Frosting: If you’re a true chocolate lover, consider frosting these cookie dough cookies with a rich and creamy chocolate frosting instead. The combination of sugar cookie, chocolate frosting, and edible cookie dough is simply divine.
  • Cookie Dough Frosting: For an even more intense cookie dough experience, try a “cookie dough frosting.” Instead of simply placing mini dough balls on top, you can actually mix your edible cookie dough directly into a spreadable cream cheese or buttercream frosting. This creates a frosting that’s speckled with edible cookie dough chunks, offering a truly immersive flavor in every bite.
  • Other Toppings: Get creative with additional garnishes! Beyond mini chocolate chips, consider adding sprinkles for a festive touch, chopped nuts for extra crunch, or even a drizzle of caramel or hot fudge for an extra layer of decadence.
  • Flavor Variations for Edible Dough: Don’t limit yourself to chocolate chip edible dough! You could make peanut butter edible dough, sprinkle dough, or even incorporate different types of mini candies or crushed cookies into your edible dough for unique flavor combinations.

How to Store Your Delicious Cookie Dough Cookies for Freshness

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness, texture, and delicious flavor of these unique cookie dough cookies, especially given their creamy frosting and edible dough toppings. Here’s how to ensure they stay delightful for as long as possible:

• Refrigeration for Optimal Freshness. Due to the presence of creamy frosting and the homemade edible cookie dough, which contains dairy and other ingredients best kept chilled, I strongly recommend storing these cookies in the refrigerator. Place your cooled, decorated cookies in a single layer within an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and smudging of the frosting. When you’re ready to serve, take the cookies out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes beforehand, allowing them to come to room temperature. This will soften the frosting and cookies to their ideal, chewy consistency. Stored correctly, these cookies will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing for Long-Term Enjoyment. If you’ve baked a large batch or simply want to prepare ahead, you can easily freeze the baked, unfrosted sugar cookies. Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. Once cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Once fully thawed, you can then proceed with making the fresh brown sugar frosting and decorating them with your edible cookie dough balls, just as you would with freshly baked cookies. This method ensures you always have a delightful treat ready to be finished!

More Easy Cookie Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

If you’ve enjoyed making these cookie dough cookies, you’ll love exploring more of our simple yet incredibly delicious cookie recipes. From classic comforts to exciting new flavors, there’s a cookie for every mood and occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with these fan favorites:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sandwich Cookies: A double dose of joy with cookie dough sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies: The perfect harmony of peanut butter and chocolate in a soft, chewy cookie.
• S’mores Cookies: All the campfire deliciousness of s’mores, packed into a convenient and chewy cookie.
• Brownie Cookies: Deeply rich and fudgy, these cookies taste just like your favorite brownie in cookie form.
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: The timeless favorite, perfected for an irresistibly chewy and satisfying bite.
• Frosted Churro Cookies: A unique twist with cinnamon-sugar cookies topped with a sweet, delicate frosting.