Cookie dough fudge – just saying those three words takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where I’d sneak spoonfuls of raw cookie dough while my grandmother wasn’t looking. But here’s the thing: I was always worried about the raw eggs and flour. Sound familiar?
This cookie dough fudge recipe solves that age-old problem while delivering all the nostalgic flavors you crave. It’s silky, safe to eat, and melts in your mouth with every bite – no baking required!
As someone who’s spent years perfecting dessert recipes in both professional kitchens and my home at FoodFansy, I can promise you this: this fudge captures that beloved cookie dough taste without any of the worry. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to storage tips, plus I’ll share some pro secrets I’ve learned along the way.
Why This Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe Works
This cookie dough fudge isn’t just another sweet treat – it’s a game-changer for dessert lovers everywhere. Here’s what makes it special:
• Uses heat-treated flour for food safety – Enjoy raw cookie dough flavor without any health concerns • Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings
• Requires no special equipment – Just a saucepan and an 8×8 pan • Combines two beloved treats – All the richness of fudge with the nostalgic taste of cookie dough • Stores beautifully – Keeps for up to two weeks, making it ideal for meal prep or gift-giving
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cookie Dough Fudge
The magic of great cookie dough fudge lies in selecting quality ingredients that work harmoniously together.
Best Chocolate Choices for This Recipe
White chocolate chips are the foundation of this fudge, providing that creamy, sweet base that mimics cookie dough perfectly. I recommend Ghirardelli white chocolate chips for their smooth melting properties and rich flavor. The semisweet chocolate chips add those classic cookie dough “chunks” – I love using a mix of mini and regular-sized chips for varied texture.
Buying Tips for Cookie Dough Fudge Success
When shopping for your cookie dough fudge ingredients, look for white chocolate chips with cocoa butter as the first ingredient (not palm oil). For the brown sugar, dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes that enhance that authentic cookie dough flavor. Fresh is best – check expiration dates on your condensed milk and ensure your flour hasn’t been sitting in the pantry for months.
Smart Substitutions
If you can’t find white chocolate chips, you can chop a white chocolate bar into small pieces. Light brown sugar works perfectly if dark isn’t available, and you can substitute the semisweet chips with milk chocolate chips for a milder flavor profile.
Ingredients & Prep for Cookie Dough Fudge
Essential Cookie Dough Fudge Components
The beauty of this cookie dough fudge lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just eight ingredients: all-purpose flour, white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and semisweet chocolate chips. Each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect cookie dough texture and flavor.
Heat-Treating Your Flour
This is the most important step for safe cookie dough fudge! Raw flour can harbor bacteria, so we heat-treat it in the microwave. Place your flour in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until it reaches 160°F (71°C). This eliminates any potential harmful bacteria while maintaining the flour’s binding properties.
Prep Work That Makes a Difference
Before you start cooking your cookie dough fudge, line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Measure out your chocolate chips, dividing them into ½ cup for mixing into the fudge and ¼ cup for sprinkling on top. Cut your butter into six pieces so it melts evenly.
Step-by-Step Cookie Dough Fudge Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cookie Dough Fudge
Start by preparing your pan and heat-treating your flour as described above. Having everything measured and ready makes the actual cooking process smooth and stress-free – this cookie dough fudge comes together quickly once you start!
Cooking Method for Cookie Dough Fudge
In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter pieces, brown sugar, and salt over medium-low heat. Stir frequently – patience is key here. The mixture should become completely smooth without any lumps of chocolate or butter remaining. This process typically takes 5-7 minutes.
Combining Ingredients for Perfect Cookie Dough Fudge
Once your base is smooth, reduce heat to low and sift in the heat-treated flour, stirring until completely incorporated. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, stirring well. Working quickly, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips – don’t overmix or your cookie dough fudge will become too chocolatey and lose that authentic cookie dough appearance.
Setting Your Cookie Dough Fudge
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing with a spatula if needed. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the surface – this creates that perfect cookie dough look. Allow the fudge to set completely at room temperature for 2-4 hours before cutting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Fudge
Avoiding Common Cookie Dough Fudge Mistakes
The biggest mistake I see people make with cookie dough fudge is rushing the melting process. High heat will cause the chocolate to seize or the mixture to become grainy. Keep your heat at medium-low and be patient – smooth, creamy fudge is worth the extra few minutes.
Essential Tool Recommendations
A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can burn your chocolate. A fine-mesh sifter ensures your flour incorporates smoothly without lumps. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of heat-treating flour.
Storage & Reheating Your Cookie Dough Fudge
Store your finished cookie dough fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in wax paper and freeze for up to three months. No need to reheat – this fudge is delicious straight from storage!
Flavor Variations for Cookie Dough Fudge
Spicy Twist on Cookie Dough Fudge
Add a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper to your cookie dough fudge for a Mexican hot chocolate inspired version. The warm spices complement the sweet cookie dough flavor beautifully.
Keto-Friendly Cookie Dough Fudge
Replace the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute like Lakanto Golden, and use sugar-free chocolate chips. The texture remains creamy while fitting into low-carb lifestyles.
Global Flavors for Cookie Dough Fudge
Create a matcha version by adding 1 tablespoon of ceremonial-grade matcha powder to the flour, or go tropical with a teaspoon of coconut extract and toasted coconut flakes mixed in.
| Variation | Key Addition | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 tbsp instant coffee | Rich, coffee-forward | Coffee lovers |
| Salted Caramel | 2 tbsp caramel sauce + sea salt | Sweet and salty | Caramel enthusiasts |
| Peanut Butter | ¼ cup PB powder | Nutty, creamy | PB & chocolate fans |
| Orange Zest | 2 tsp fresh orange zest | Bright, citrusy | Fruit flavor lovers |
Serving Suggestions for Cookie Dough Fudge
Your cookie dough fudge pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a classic combination, or crumble over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae. For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
Wine pairing might seem unusual for fudge, but a sweet Riesling or Port complements the rich sweetness perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, cold milk (obviously!), coffee, or even a spiced chai latte makes an excellent companion.
FAQs About Cookie Dough Fudge
Can I make cookie dough fudge without heat-treating the flour? While technically possible, I strongly recommend heat-treating for food safety. Raw flour can contain harmful bacteria, and this simple step ensures your cookie dough fudge is safe for everyone to enjoy.
How do I fix grainy cookie dough fudge? Graininess usually results from overheating the chocolate. If this happens, try whisking in a tablespoon of warm cream or milk to smooth the texture.
Is this cookie dough fudge safe for pregnant women? Yes! Because we heat-treat the flour and use no raw eggs, this cookie dough fudge is safe for pregnant women, children, and anyone else who needs to avoid raw ingredients.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13 pan and expect slightly longer setting time. The cooking process remains the same, just ensure your saucepan is large enough for the increased volume.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about cookie dough fudge – it captures the essence of childhood while satisfying our adult desire for indulgent, worry-free treats. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen at FoodFansy, and I know it’ll become one of your favorites too.
Fire up your stovetop and give this a try tonight! Your family and friends will be amazed by the authentic cookie dough flavor and silky fudge texture.
Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve fallen in love with this recipe – I can’t wait to hear about your cookie dough fudge adventures! Next, try our [Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies] or [No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars] for more sweet inspiration from the FoodFansy kitchen.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
– Emeli
Founder & Chef at FoodFansy.com
Cookie Dough Fudge: Ultimate 15-Minute Recipe for Perfect Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
This quick and easy Cookie Dough Fudge comes together on the stove in just 15 minutes. It’s practically foolproof, perfectly sweetened, and uses no eggs or raw flour so it’s safe to eat!
Ingredients
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups (340 g) white chocolate chips (I like to use Ghirardelli brand)
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14 oz (396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
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6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter cut into 6 pieces
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½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar firmly packed (I like to use dark brown sugar)
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¾ teaspoons table salt
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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¾ cup (125 g) semisweet chocolate chips divided (I like to use a blend of mini and regular-sized chocolate chips)
Instructions
Line an 8×8” (20x20cm) square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil, lightly butter the surface to prevent sticking. Set aside. Measure out your chocolate chips at this point, too, dividing them into ½ cup (85g) and ¼ cup (40g) measurements.
Heat-treat flour by placing in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 10-second increments until it reaches a temperature above 160F (71C). Set aside.
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flourIn a medium-sized saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Turn stovetop heat to medium low and stir frequently until butter and chocolate chips are completely melted and mixture is smooth.
2 cups (340 g) white chocolate chips,14 oz (396 g) can sweetened condensed milk,6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter,½ cup (100 g) light or dark brown sugar,¾ teaspoons table salt
Reduce heat to low and sift flour into the pan, then stir until completely combined.
Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and stir well.
2 teaspoons vanilla extractWorking quickly, add ½ cup (85g) chocolate chips and stir until *just* combined (don’t overmix or your cookie dough fudge will become very chocolatey!). Immediately pour into prepared baking pan and smooth with a spatula if needed. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
¾ cup (125 g) semisweet chocolate chipsAllow fudge to set completely at room temperature, this usually takes 2-4 hours, then slice and serve!
Notes
Cookie dough fudge will keep in an airtight container for at least one week. It will keep longer in the refrigerator (about 3 weeks) but will become very firm when chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5mins
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11″ piece
- Calories: 172kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Cookie Dough Fudge