Costco’s Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is Back! Recipes & More
The rumors are true! Costco’s much-loved edible chocolate chip cookie dough is back on shelves, and cookie dough enthusiasts everywhere are rejoicing. This isn’t your average, straight-from-the-tube cookie dough; this is specially formulated to be safely enjoyed raw, making it the perfect treat for those who love to sneak a bite (or several!) while baking. This return is especially exciting as it offers a convenient and delicious base for a myriad of dessert creations. But beyond just eating it straight from the tub (which, let’s be honest, is a perfectly valid option), this edible cookie dough opens up a world of culinary possibilities. This article will explore some delightful and easy-to-follow recipes featuring Costco’s edible chocolate chip cookie dough, along with some tips and tricks to maximize your enjoyment. Let’s dive in!
Why is Edible Cookie Dough Different?
Before we jump into the recipes, it’s crucial to understand why this cookie dough is safe to eat raw, unlike traditional cookie dough. The primary difference lies in the ingredients. Traditional cookie dough contains raw eggs and untreated flour, both of which can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Edible cookie dough eliminates these risks by using heat-treated flour and omitting eggs altogether. The heat treatment of the flour kills any potential bacteria, while the absence of eggs removes another significant source of contamination. This careful formulation ensures that you can indulge in your cookie dough cravings without worry.
Costco’s Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: A Closer Look
Costco’s version of edible chocolate chip cookie dough is known for its rich, buttery flavor and generous amount of chocolate chips. The texture is smooth and creamy, making it incredibly satisfying to eat. Many fans appreciate the convenient packaging, which allows for easy scooping and portioning. While the exact brand may vary depending on your local Costco, the general consensus is that it’s a high-quality and delicious product. Keep an eye out for it in the refrigerated section, typically near the other refrigerated desserts and bakery items.
Recipe 1: Classic Cookie Dough Bites
This is the simplest and most straightforward way to enjoy your Costco edible cookie dough. These bites are perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick dessert.
Ingredients:
- Costco Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Optional: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts for coating
Instructions:
- Scoop: Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to portion out small balls of cookie dough. The size is up to you, but bite-sized pieces are ideal.
- Roll (Optional): Gently roll each scoop of cookie dough between your palms to create a smooth, round ball. This step is optional, but it makes the bites look more appealing.
- Coat (Optional): If desired, roll the cookie dough balls in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill (Optional): Place the cookie dough bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and prevent them from being too sticky.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious cookie dough bites straight from the refrigerator!
Tips & Variations:
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt to the cookie dough before forming the bites for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in chopped pretzels, peanut butter chips, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Presentation: Arrange the cookie dough bites on a decorative platter for a party or gathering.
Recipe 2: Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches
Elevate your ice cream sandwich game with this decadent recipe. The combination of creamy ice cream and chewy cookie dough is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- Costco Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Your favorite ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream are great choices)
- Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate sauce, whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Flatten out the cookie dough. You can do this by either spreading it between two sheets of parchment paper and rolling it out with a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thickness, or by pressing it evenly into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the flattened cookie dough. Circles, squares, or stars all work well. Alternatively, you can cut the cookie dough into squares or rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Freeze the Cookie Dough: Place the cookie dough shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This will make them easier to handle when assembling the ice cream sandwiches.
- Soften the Ice Cream: Let your ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Take one cookie dough shape and spread a generous layer of softened ice cream on top. Top with another cookie dough shape to create a sandwich.
- Freeze Again: Wrap each ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour to allow the ice cream to firm up completely.
- Serve: Unwrap the ice cream sandwiches and enjoy! You can add sprinkles, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream for an extra touch.
Tips & Variations:
- Ice Cream Flavors: Experiment with different ice cream flavors to find your favorite combination. Peanut butter ice cream, mint chocolate chip ice cream, or even coffee ice cream would be delicious.
- Cookie Dough Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the cookie dough to your preference. Thicker cookie dough will result in chewier sandwiches, while thinner cookie dough will be more delicate.
- Dipping: Dip the assembled ice cream sandwiches in melted chocolate and then immediately coat with sprinkles or chopped nuts for an extra-indulgent treat. Freeze until the chocolate is set.
Recipe 3: Cookie Dough Brownie Bars
Combine the fudgy goodness of brownies with the irresistible charm of cookie dough in these decadent brownie bars. They’re the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- Costco Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Add Cookie Dough Layer: Break off small pieces of Costco edible cookie dough and gently press them into the brownie batter. Distribute the cookie dough evenly over the surface of the brownie batter. You can slightly flatten the cookie dough pieces if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownie comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the brownie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Serve: Enjoy the cookie dough brownie bars at room temperature or chilled.
Tips & Variations:
- Brownie Variations: Use your favorite brownie recipe as a base for this recipe. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to the brownie batter.
- Cookie Dough Swirl: Instead of pressing the cookie dough pieces into the brownie batter, you can create a swirl effect by dolloping the cookie dough on top and then using a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the brownie batter.
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle the cooled brownie bars with a chocolate glaze or a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
Recipe 4: Cookie Dough Dip
A crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert, this cookie dough dip is perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve it with graham crackers, pretzels, fruit, or cookies for dipping.
Ingredients:
- Costco Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions:
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in Cookie Dough: Gently fold in the Costco edible chocolate chip cookie dough until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the cookie dough dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, if desired. Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, fruit, or cookies for dipping.
Tips & Variations:
- Peanut Butter: Add a couple tablespoons of peanut butter for a peanut butter cookie dough dip.
- Different Extracts: Use almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Melted Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate into the dip.
Recipe 5: Cookie Dough Milkshake
This thick and creamy milkshake is a sweet treat that’s perfect for a hot day. The addition of edible cookie dough takes it to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Costco Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Optional: Whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles for topping
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and Costco edible chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream.
- Pour: Pour the milkshake into a glass.
- Top: Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
Tips & Variations:
- Ice Cream Flavors: Use chocolate, cookies and cream, or any other flavor of ice cream that you enjoy.
- Add a Banana: Add half of a frozen banana for a richer, creamier shake.
- Malt Powder: A tablespoon of malt powder gives this milkshake an extra boost of flavor.
Where to Find Costco’s Edible Cookie Dough
Keep an eye out for the edible cookie dough in the refrigerated section of your local Costco. It’s typically located near the other refrigerated desserts, bakery items, and sometimes near the dairy products. Availability may vary depending on your location and the time of year, so it’s always a good idea to check regularly or call ahead to confirm if it’s in stock. Because it’s a popular item, it tends to sell out quickly! So, if you spot it, don’t hesitate to grab a tub (or two!).
Tips for Storing Edible Cookie Dough
To ensure your Costco edible cookie dough stays fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Always store the cookie dough in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in its original container or an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Consume the cookie dough by the expiration date printed on the packaging for the best quality and flavor. While the edible cookie dough is formulated to be safe for consumption raw, it’s still a perishable product and should be treated accordingly.
Is it safe for kids?
Generally, edible cookie dough is considered safe for kids due to the heat-treated flour and lack of raw eggs. However, it’s always wise to check the ingredient list for any potential allergens, such as nuts, soy, or dairy, depending on your child’s specific sensitivities. It is always best to serve in moderation and be mindful of the sugar content. As with any treat, moderation is key. It’s also important to emphasize that while *this* cookie dough is safe, regular cookie dough is not and should never be consumed raw.
Final Thoughts
The return of Costco’s edible chocolate chip cookie dough is a cause for celebration among dessert enthusiasts. With its safe and delicious formula, it opens up a world of possibilities for creative and indulgent treats. From simple cookie dough bites to decadent ice cream sandwiches and brownie bars, the options are endless. So, head to your local Costco, grab a tub of this delightful treat, and let your culinary imagination run wild! Remember to share your creations with friends and family (or keep them all to yourself – we won’t judge!). Happy baking (and no-baking)! Enjoy the simple pleasures in life, and sometimes, that means a scoop (or three) of edible cookie dough.