Nothing quite matches the joy of digging into a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and discovering those heavenly chunks of cookie dough. What if you could enjoy those delightful morsels any time, without the ice cream? Well, you’re in luck because today we’re diving into the delicious universe of homemade Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites!
Table of Contents
How to make Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites
Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites are small, bite-sized treats that feature their signature cookie dough mixed with chocolate and sometimes covered in a layer of chocolate or other coatings. They capture the rich flavor of Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough without needing a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (see tip below for making it safe to eat)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For a Chocolate Coating (Optional):
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (to smooth out the chocolate)
Instructions:
- Make the Flour Safe: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes. This kills any potential bacteria making the flour safe to consume. Let it cool down completely.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add milk (or cream) and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the cooled, pre-treated flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the Bites: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small balls of dough (about a teaspoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too soft to handle, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help.
- Freeze the dough balls for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm.
(Optional) For a Chocolate Coating:
- Melt Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip Dough Bites: Using a fork, dip each cookie dough bite into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Chill Again: Refrigerate or freeze the chocolate-coated bites until the chocolate is set.
Tips:
- Flour Safety: Pre-treating the flour is a crucial step in making edible cookie dough. It eliminates potential bacteria, ensuring the dough is safe to eat.
- Chill for Easy Handling: Chilling the dough will make the process much easier if it becomes too sticky while you’re rolling the balls.
- Customize: Feel free to play around with the mix-ins! While mini chocolate chips are classic, you can try different variations like nuts, M&Ms, or even white chocolate chips to tailor them to your taste.
- Storage: Cookie dough bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage. They’re delicious both cold and at room temperature!
What to serve with
Serving Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites can turn any moment into a delightful treat. These versatile bites pair beautifully with a variety of snacks, desserts, and beverages, creating combinations that can cater to any mood or occasion.
1. Ice Cream: Naturally, cookie dough bites and ice cream are a match made in heaven. Sprinkle them over your favorite flavor of ice cream for an extra special treat. Vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream can complement the cookie dough flavor beautifully. You can also sandwich them between two scoops for an innovative take on an ice cream sandwich.
2. Hot Beverages: Pair these Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warmth of the beverage complements the chilled, doughy texture of the bites, providing a cozy and comforting experience. Try dipping the bites in your drink for an extra layer of pleasure.
3. Milk: A classic pairing, milk and cookie dough are timeless. Serve the cookie dough bites with a tall glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for dipping. The rich, creamy texture of the milk perfectly balances the sweet, chocolaty bites.
4. Dessert Charcuterie Boards: Create an enticing dessert charcuterie board by adding Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites alongside various cheeses, fruits, nuts, chocolates, and other sweets. This diverse spread allows guests to mix and match flavors as they please, creating their custom delight.
5. Smoothies or Milkshakes: Blend these bites into your favorite smoothie or milkshake recipes for an extra chunky texture and rich, cookie dough flavor. They add a fun twist to your beverages, making them more satisfying and decadent.
6. DIY Dessert Pizza: Spread a thin layer of chocolate sauce or Nutella on a large cookie or brownie base to make a dessert pizza. Then, sprinkle chopped cookie dough bites on top, along with any of your favorite toppings, like sliced strawberries, bananas, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This combination creates a delightful and visually appealing dessert.
7. Fondue: Serve the cookie dough bites as dippers for a chocolate or caramel fondue. The contrast between the gooey, warm fondue and the cold, firm bites is simply divine, offering a truly indulgent treat.
8. Pancakes or Waffles: For a decadent breakfast treat, sprinkle cookie dough bites on top of freshly made pancakes or waffles. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce and maybe some whipped cream for a gourmet, cafe-style breakfast at home.
9. Trail Mix: For a fun snack on the go, mix mini cookie dough bites with nuts, dried fruit, and other bite-sized snacks to create a unique trail mix. This is perfect for packing a sweet and savory snack for road trips, hikes, or when you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
10. Decorative Toppings: Use the bites as decorative toppings for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods for added texture and a surprise element. They make an attractive and delicious addition to almost any dessert.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a homemade version of Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Bites allows for customization according to dietary preferences, allergies, and tastes. Here’s how you can substitute the ingredients typically found in cookie dough to make it safe to consume without baking, keeping the essence of the delightful treat intact.
Basic Ingredients for Cookie Dough Bites:
- Flour: To make the dough edible without baking, use heat-treated flour to eliminate any bacteria. Alternatively, you can substitute almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is usually used for that rich, creamy texture. For a vegan option, you can use coconut oil, vegan butter, or margarine.
- Sugar: A combination of brown sugar and white granulated sugar gives traditional cookie dough its classic flavor. For healthier substitutes, consider coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust quantities accordingly as these substitutes may alter the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: No direct substitute is necessary, but for a different twist, almond extract could be used in a smaller quantity.
- Milk: Regular milk is used to moisten the dough. Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) works well as a dairy-free alternative.
- Chocolate Chips: For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, use dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks. Various alternatives are available, including dark chocolate, nut-based chocolates, or even carob chips for a caffeine-free option.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to enjoy your very own homemade Ben and Jerry’s Dough Bites. Whether enjoyed on their own or mixed into your favorite ice cream, these bites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a bit of joy into your day.
More Cookie Dough Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (see tip below for making it safe to eat)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For a Chocolate Coating (Optional):
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (to smooth out the chocolate)
Instructions
- Make the Flour Safe: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes. This kills any potential bacteria making the flour safe to consume. Let it cool down completely.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add milk (or cream) and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the cooled, pre-treated flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the Bites: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out small balls of dough (about a teaspoon each) and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too soft to handle, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help.
- Freeze the dough balls for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm.
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