It is a universal truth that only one thing can rival a freshly baked cookie: the dough. Most of us are guilty of a nibble or two before the oven has finished preheating. But can you eat raw cookie dough? The CDC has us re-thinking that, with its recent campaign to Say No to Raw Dough!
What exactly gives raw cookie dough its bad reputation?
Why Can’t You Eat Raw Cookie Dough?
Eating raw eggs can cause salmonella infection
One of the major concerns with raw cookie dough is raw eggs. The outside of raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria, and washing them won’t alleviate the risk. In fact, it could increase the risk by removing the protective coating around the egg, which lets the bacteria enter the egg via the pores on the shell. Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and a headache that can last four to seven days.
Uncooked flour can be contaminated with E. coli
Flour can also be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. As wheat grows in fields, it can come into contact with pathogens. When consumed, an E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramping and nausea, and can last up to a week.
You don’t need to eat raw flour in large amounts to get sick. According to a study published in The New York England Journal of Medicine, the bacteria is not evenly distributed throughout a bag of flour, so even sampling a small amount could put you at risk. Luckily, protecting yourself from illness is easy: wash your hands, clean your kitchen utensils and bake the cookies (we suggest these chocolate chip masterpieces) to kill bacteria.
The same is true for raw batter, so wait to enjoy your brownies until after they come out of the oven.
Can You Eat Store-Bought Cookie Dough Raw?
Yes—look for a dough that’s labeled “safe to eat raw.” To make store-bought cookie dough safe, companies heat-treat the flour and pasteurize the eggs, removing any bacteria.
But for all the homemade cookie dough loyalists, there are other options.
How to Eat Raw Cookie Dough Safely
You can safely eat cookie dough if you take the right precautions! To make edible cookie dough at home, replace or omit the flour and egg to avoid the risk of an infection. There are plenty of easy egg substitutes, from flaxseed meal to a mashed banana. You can heat-treat flour by baking it at 300°F until the flour itself reaches 160° to kill any bacteria.
Or, buy a premade edible cookie dough, designed to be devoured straight out of the jar. We did the hard work and taste tested to find the best raw cookie dough.
Recipes for Cookie Dough Desserts
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough CheesecakeI created this recipe to combine two of my all-time favorites: cheesecake for the grown-up in me and chocolate chip cookie dough for the little girl in me. Sour cream offsets the sweetness and adds a nice tang. Everyone who tries this scrumptious cookie dough cheesecake loves it. —Julie Craig, Kewaskum, Wisconsin
Quick Double Chocolate BiscottiRefrigerated cookie dough gives you a head start on making biscotti from scratch. For true chocolate lovers, substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Chip DipIs there a kid around (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try it with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake BarsI received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Chip Cookie DelightThis is a simple chocolate dessert recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho
Quick Icebox SandwichesMy mother liked making these cool, creamy treats when I was growing up in the States because they're so quick to fix. Then I made them for my three kids.—Sandy Armijo, Naples, Italy
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese BarsLower in fat and calories than you might ever guess, these sweet bars couldn't be easier to whip up, boast a great chocolaty flavor, and make a fun, quick dessert to bring to parties or serve to company! —Jennifer Rafferty, Milford, Ohio
Chocolate Chip Cheese BallYour guests are in for a sweet surprise when they try this chocolate chip cheese ball—it tastes just like cookie dough! Rolled in chopped pecans, this chip-studded spread is wonderful on regular or chocolate graham crackers. I especially like it because it can be assembled in a wink. —Kelly Glascock, Syracuse, Missouri
Cookie Dough BrowniesWhen I take these rich brownies to any get-together, I carry the recipe, too, because it always gets requested. Children of all ages love the tempting "cookie dough" filling. This special treat is typically the first to be gone from the buffet table—even before the entrees! —Wendy Bailey, Elida, Ohio
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream PieI got the recipe for this pie from my mom, but I changed the crust to cookie dough. Because the crust will harden after being frozen, dip a knife in hot water first, wipe the knife off and then cut. Repeat the process if needed. —Letitia Landis, Rochester, Indiana
Cookie Dough TrufflesThe flavorful filling at the center of these yummy candies tastes like genuine chocolate chip cookie dough…with no worry about raw eggs. That's what makes them so appealing. And they're easy to make. —Lanita Dedon, Slaughter, Louisiana
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023
