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 while the oven preheats. But can you eat raw cookie dough? The CDC says no, because eating dough puts you at risk for food poisoning.
This food safety rule is important for everyone, particularly children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
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 help. 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 lasts four to seven days.
Uncooked flour can be contaminated with E. coli
Flour can 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 involve diarrhea, stomach cramping and nausea for up to one week.
You don’t need to eat raw flour in large amounts to get sick. According to a study published in The New 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: You should wash your hands, clean your kitchen utensils and bake your chocolate chip cookies 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, if it’s labeled “safe to eat raw.” To make dough that’s designed to be devoured straight out of the jar, brands heat-treat the flour and pasteurize the eggs.
Is there a safe way to eat raw homemade cookie dough?
No, because the FDA recommends against eating raw flour. Some sources say it’s possible to heat treat flour at home by baking it or microwaving it, but FDA experts say home treatments like this may not effectively kill all bacteria. The safest way to get your chocolate chip fix is by waiting until the cookies are baked and cooled.
Recipes for Safe Cookie Dough 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!
