We know how tempting it is to lick the spatula after stirring up a batch of brownie batter. And don’t get us started on cookie dough. But before you take a taste, you need to know the answer to this question: Can you eat raw flour?
Is raw flour safe to eat?
Nope. We’re sorry to burst your bubble here, but it is not safe to eat raw flour.
According to the FDA, the grains milled to make flour can be easily exposed to harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. These are the kinds of bacteria that are often involved in food recalls.
If you ingest food contaminated with these bacteria, per the CDC, you can experience food poisoning symptoms like stomach upset, nausea and more. These symptoms can be especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems and adults over 65.
Also worth noting: flour does expire.
Can you safely sneak a bite of cookie dough?
So what does this raw flour revelation mean for you in the kitchen? It means that you shouldn’t eat raw flour in any form. That means no cookie dough, no brownie batter—not even when these come from a boxed mix. Boxed mixes of all kinds also use raw flour.
What about heat treating the flour first? The FDA does not recommend heat-treating flour at home, as it may not effectively kill all the bacteria.
If you really want to eat cookie dough, your best bet is to grab some edible cookie dough from the grocery store or buy online from companies like Doughp (hello, Brownie Beast!) and Cheryl’s.
Try These Cookie Dough-Inspired Desserts
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough CheesecakeIf you love to nibble the cookie dough while you’re baking, this cookie dough cheesecake is for you. It’s studded with (eggless) cookie dough in every slice!
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 DipNext time you’re tasked with bringing the dip or dessert, make our chocolate chip dip for an unexpected dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to serve it with graham crackers, strawberries and other sweets!
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake BarsThese irresistible chocolate chip cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of chewy chocolate chip cookie and creamy cheesecake. They're the ideal treat for any occasion and easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
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 TrufflesThese contest-winning cookie dough truffles are a perfect no-bake dessert. They are like eating real cookie dough that’s been dipped in chocolate. We love them around the holidays or Valentine’s Day!
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