Cookie Dough Frosting is a delightful treat that elevates any baked good, offering the irresistible flavor of edible cookie dough in a smooth, creamy frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or even just a spoon. Its versatility and deliciousness make it a must-have recipe for any home baker.
Key Ingredients for Cookie Dough Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated (see notes below)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for classic cookie dough flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Notes on Heat-Treating Flour: To make your flour safe for raw consumption in this frosting, you have two primary options:
- Microwave Method: Spread the flour in a thin layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This will take approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes total. Let it cool completely before using.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Let it cool completely before using.
How to Make Cookie Dough Frosting
This Cookie Dough Frosting is incredibly simple to whip up, promising a rich, satisfying flavor that mimics your favorite scoop of raw cookie dough. Its creamy texture and decadent taste make it a showstopper, perfect for adding that extra special touch to any dessert in under 20 minutes of active preparation time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the milk (or half-and-half/heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until just combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this stage, which is normal.
- Incorporate the Heat-Treated Flour: Gradually add the heat-treated all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using them, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
- Achieve Perfect Consistency: If the frosting seems too thick, add another teaspoon of milk or cream at a time and mix until your desired consistency is reached. If it seems too thin, you can add a tablespoon more of heat-treated flour.
- Serve or Store: Your delicious Cookie Dough Frosting is now ready to be used!
Why You’ll Love This Cookie Dough Frosting
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Cookie Dough Frosting for its incredibly indulgent, authentic cookie dough flavor that’s perfectly safe to eat. Unlike traditional buttercream, this frosting brings the satisfying chewiness and sweet pockets of chocolate chips that we all crave from raw dough, making it a thrilling alternative to standard frostings. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective to make at home compared to purchasing specialty bakery frostings, allowing you to elevate your treats without breaking the bank.
Imagine slathering this luscious frosting onto a vanilla cake or a batch of homemade brownies; it’s a game-changer that will impress your friends and family. The combination of creamy sweetness with the delightful texture of mini chocolate chips creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated, rivaling even the most elaborate dessert concoctions. So, gather your ingredients and give this Cookie Dough Frosting a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Cookie Dough Frosting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cookie Dough Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the frosting becomes very firm after refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and then give it a good stir to soften it before using.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the Cookie Dough Frosting. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen frosting, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, stir it well to restore its creamy texture. You may need to add a tiny bit of milk or cream if it seems a little stiff.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Frosting is a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe that delivers unparalleled cookie dough flavor. Give it a try on your next baking project; you won’t be disappointed!
Cookie Dough Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spread the flour in a thin layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This will take approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes total. Let it cool completely before using.ORPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the flour reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Let it cool completely before using.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the milk (or half-and-half/heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until just combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this stage, which is normal.2 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Gradually add the heat-treated all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- If you’re using them, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- If the frosting seems too thick, add another teaspoon of milk or cream at a time and mix until your desired consistency is reached. If it seems too thin, you can add a tablespoon more of heat-treated flour.2 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, heat-treated
- Your delicious Cookie Dough Frosting is now ready to be used!