Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the nostalgic taste of cookie dough but want it in a cozy, treatable cookie form, you absolutely must try this Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe. It’s a magical combination of soft, buttery cookie dough bases topped with luscious vanilla frosting, accented by the delightful crunch and melty pockets of mini chocolate chips and cookie dough bites. This recipe brings all the joy of eating cookie dough safely and deliciously baked, with an extra touch of frosting flair. Trust me, these cookies will become your new favorite indulgence to bake and share!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe lies in its intentionally simple but purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from creating that soft, chewy crumb to giving the frosting its silky smoothness and the final cookies their irresistible chocolate-studded charm.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base crucial for the cookie dough’s tender texture.
• 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in gentle crisping along the cookie edges.
• 1 egg: Binds the dough while contributing to the perfect chewiness we all adore.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, fragrant notes that elevate the cookie and frosting alike.
• 2 cups unbleached flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together just right.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Softens the texture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise, creating perfect thickness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened) for frosting: Creates a creamy, luscious foundation for the vanilla frosting.
• 3 teaspoons vanilla (for frosting): Locks in that classic and comforting flavor on top of each cookie.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (Confectioners sugar): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal spreading consistency.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolaty goodness and satisfying texture.
• 1/2 cup cookie dough bites: A playful, chewy topping that brings extra cookie dough magic to each bite.

How to Make Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, giving you that perfect edge-to-edge softness.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This combination is the heart of the cookie’s texture, so take your time until it’s light and fluffy, setting a wonderful base for the cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until fully combined. The egg adds moisture, while the vanilla brings those warm aromatic tones that make the cookies unforgettable.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Stir in the unbleached flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these in just enough to combine results in tender cookies that hold their shape but melt beautifully in your mouth.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Use a two tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough into balls. This ensures even cookies that bake at the same rate, with perfect thickness for soft centers.

Step 6: Space the Cookies on the Sheet

Place the cookie dough balls onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Giving them enough room prevents them from merging during baking, maintaining their ideal shape.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for exactly 9 minutes until the cookies are just set. The edges should be firm but soft in the middle, the signature texture that makes this Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe so irresistible.

Step 8: Shape the Edges

Right after taking the cookies out of the oven, gently press the edges with a large cup or cookie cutter to create an even, rounded shape—this little trick creates a beautiful canvas for the frosting.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet to prevent the frosting from melting. Patience here really pays off when you get that perfect frosting layer that holds beautifully.

Step 10: Make the Vanilla Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Then add 3 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 cups powdered sugar, mixing until silky smooth. This frosting is what gives the Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe its luscious, dreamy finish.

Step 11: Frost the Cookies

Pipe the frosting onto each cookie using a zippered bag with a corner snipped off, then use a knife to smooth it into the center evenly. It’s detailed work but worth every swirl.

Step 12: Garnish with Cookie Dough Bites and Mini Chocolate Chips

Top each frosted cookie with a sprinkle of cookie dough bites and mini chocolate chips. These toppings add delightful texture and a fun visual contrast that make every bite a full-on treat.

How to Serve Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the frosting for a subtle twist. Fresh berries or edible flowers can also add vibrant color and freshness that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, or serve alongside a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert plate. A warm cup of coffee or tea is also a welcoming companion, balancing the sweetness with gentle bitterness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cookies on a rustic wooden platter dotted with extra cookie dough bites and chocolate chips for a charming, inviting look. For parties, arrange them in decorative tins or stack them as cookie sandwiches with extra frosting in the middle for even more indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration helps keep the frosting firm, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies either before or after frosting. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Frosting can be added after thawing for a fresher look and taste, or freeze frosted cookies carefully with parchment between layers.

Reheating

To warm leftover cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This softens them up beautifully without melting the frosting if added afterward. Avoid microwaving as it can make the frosting too runny and the cookie texture less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips will work just fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the cookie, giving you little pops of chocolate in every bite.

Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough used in this recipe?

This Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe uses traditional baking methods, so make sure to bake thoroughly to avoid any risks associated with raw egg or flour.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

How long does the vanilla frosting last on the cookies?

The frosting stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but it’s best within 24 hours for maximum creaminess.

Can I double this Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches. Make sure to leave enough space between cookies on your baking sheets for even baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing cookies that remind us of our favorite childhood moments. This Cookie Dough Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate Chips Recipe blends the best of that nostalgia with grown-up indulgence, creating treats that are both soft and flavorful with every bite. I hope you dive into making these, whether for a cozy night in or to delight friends at your next gathering!

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