Hello, my sweet-toothed friends! If there’s one thing that takes me back to joyful childhood days, it’s homemade cookie dough. Picture this: it’s a rainy Saturday afternoon, and the smell of butter and sugar wafts through the kitchen as my mom whips up her legendary cookie dough. We’d all gather around, waiting impatiently for those first warm cookies to come out of the oven. But here’s the secret — sometimes, we couldn’t wait! We’d dive into that gooey, sweet dough, luxuriating in the raw, buttery goodness without a single thought to the baking that was meant to come later. This Cookie Dough and Candy Recipe celebrates that nostalgic taste, but with a fun twist. It’s irresistible cookie dough mixed with delightful candy treats, making it the perfect bite-sized indulgence for your next gathering or just a cozy night in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make, with no baking required!
- Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
- Customizable with your favorite candies and mix-ins.
- Great for kids (and kids-at-heart) to help with!
- Ideal for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients
You’ll probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry, which makes this an even sweeter deal! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (don’t skimp on the softness; it needs to mix smoothly!)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated for safety if eating raw)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips (use your favorite type!)
- 1 cup candy pieces (think M&Ms, Skittles, or your favorite gummy candies!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get mixing! This part is so easy, even the little ones can help out. Here’s how to make your Cookie Dough and Candy:
- Prep Your Workspace: Start by clearing your kitchen counter and gathering all your ingredients. You want everything within reach for seamless mixing!
- Mix the Butters: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and well combined. This will take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Tip: Don’t rush this step; fluffiness is key!
- Add a Splash of Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. The aroma alone will make your home feel cozy!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your heat-treated flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Make it Sweet: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until you have a smooth consistency. It should be thick and creamy!
- Mix in the Goodies: Fold in the chocolate chips and candy pieces. Tip: Use a spatula here to keep the dough soft and not overmix!
- Chill out: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial in letting it firm up just a bit!
- Shape and Share: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Enjoy the process — it’s sticky and oh-so-fun!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about ways to make this recipe uniquely yours!
- Flavor Swaps: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Different Mix-ins: Go wild and swap chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips! And, old-school candies like Reese’s Pieces can add that nostalgic touch.
- Make It Nutty: If you love a bit of crunch, throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Just be sure to warn nut allergies!
- Gluten-Free Option: Feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just ensure it’s a 1:1 ratio.
Serving Suggestions
These little bites of joy can be enjoyed in so many ways! Serve them straight from the fridge as a chilled treat on a hot day, or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm them up slightly! They pair beautifully with:
- A tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee
- Some fresh fruit on the side — think berries for a pop of color!
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty combo — trust me on this one!
- Or even tuck them into a homemade ice cream sundae topped with chocolate sauce!
Storage Tips
These sweet treats are best consumed fresh, but I guarantee they’ll last a few days (if you can resist!). Here’s how to keep them tasting fabulous:
- Fridge: Store any leftover cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the dough balls on the baking sheet first, then transfer them into a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months! When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw in the fridge or enjoy them frozen!
- Reheat: If you prefer a warm snack, microwave them for a few seconds when you’re ready to indulge again!
FAQs
Can I eat the cookie dough raw?
Yes! Since we used heat-treated flour and no eggs, this cookie dough is safe to eat raw. Just ensure you follow the recipe for that extra safety measure!
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. You can also freeze them for longer storage and pull them out as needed!
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes! You can use almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option, but be aware that the texture might slightly change, so it’s a bit of an experiment!
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute it with a mix of heavy cream and powdered sugar. Use about 1/3 cup of heavy cream mixed with 1/3 cup of powdered sugar to get a similar sweetness and consistency!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my dear friends! A delightful Cookie Dough and Candy Recipe that brings joy and nostalgia in every bite. I hope you enjoy making these little treasures as much as I do. The next time you whip up a batch, don’t forget to share your creations! I’d love to hear about your favorite mix-ins or how your little helpers enjoyed the process. Happy baking (or should I say mixing?), and may your days be filled with sweetness!
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Irresistible Cookie Dough Candy Recipe for Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this sweet bliss with our cookie dough candy recipe Perfect for satisfying your cravings with delicious flavors in every bite
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful Cookie Dough and Candy Recipe that combines the nostalgic taste of raw cookie dough with fun candy treats, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 servings
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
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