Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe

Cookie Dough Fudge: A Sweet, Safe-to-Eat Delight

Cookie dough fudge combines the rich, creamy texture of fudge with the nostalgic flavor of cookie dough. This quick and easy recipe, which can be prepared on the stove in just 15 minutes, is practically foolproof. It’s perfectly sweetened, requires no eggs or raw flour, and includes a how-to video for visual learners. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

The Appeal of Cookie Dough Fudge

What makes cookie dough fudge so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved treats: cookie dough and fudge. Cookie dough lovers appreciate the familiar taste without the worry of consuming raw eggs or flour, while fudge enthusiasts enjoy a new twist on their favorite confection. This fudge is ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding the ingredients and their roles in the recipe can enhance your baking experience and ensure a perfect outcome every time.

Flour

All-purpose flour is a staple in many baking recipes. In this fudge, it provides structure and mimics the texture of cookie dough. However, raw flour can contain harmful bacteria, so it’s crucial to heat-treat it before use. This simple step, which involves microwaving the flour until it reaches a temperature above 160°F (71°C), ensures it’s safe to eat.

White Chocolate Chips

White chocolate chips are the primary source of sweetness and creaminess in this fudge. They melt smoothly and blend well with the other ingredients, creating a rich base. Ghirardelli is a recommended brand for its high quality and reliable melting properties.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is another key ingredient that contributes to the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness. Its thick, syrupy consistency helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth and cohesive fudge.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the fudge. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe. Cutting the butter into pieces ensures it melts evenly and integrates smoothly with the other ingredients.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar, whether light or dark, enhances the cookie dough flavor. Dark brown sugar is preferred for its deeper molasses notes, but light brown sugar works well too. Firmly packing the sugar ensures accurate measurement and consistent results.

Salt

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the fudge. Using table salt is recommended for its fine texture, which disperses evenly throughout the mixture.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the cookie dough flavor. It’s added after the mixture is removed from the heat to preserve its delicate aroma.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Semisweet chocolate chips add a contrasting chocolate flavor and a bit of texture to the fudge. Using a blend of mini and regular-sized chips ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of chocolate and cookie dough.

Recommended Equipment

Having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

8×8” Pan

An 8×8” pan is the perfect size for this fudge recipe, creating thick, substantial pieces. Lining the pan with parchment paper or lightly buttered aluminum foil ensures easy removal and clean slicing.

Instant Read Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is invaluable for heat-treating the flour, ensuring it reaches the safe temperature of 160°F (71°C). It’s also useful for other baking tasks, making it a worthy investment.

Medium-Sized Saucepan

A medium-sized saucepan provides enough space for the ingredients to melt and blend without spilling over. Stirring frequently ensures even heating and prevents scorching.

Sifter

A sifter is essential for evenly distributing the flour into the mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Line the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8” square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using foil, lightly butter the surface to prevent sticking. This makes removing the fudge much easier once it’s set.
2. Heat-Treat the Flour: Place the flour in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 10-second increments until it reaches a temperature above 160°F (71°C). This step is crucial for safety. Once done, set the flour aside.

Cooking

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir frequently until the butter and chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add Flour: Reduce the heat to low and sift the heat-treated flour into the pan. Stir until completely combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Incorporate Vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavor.

Final Touches

1. Add Chocolate Chips: Working quickly, add ½ cup of the chocolate chips to the mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the fudge to become too chocolatey.
2. Transfer to Pan: Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top if needed. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the surface.

Variations and Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Fudge

Cookie dough fudge is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas and tips to help you make the best cookie dough fudge possible.

Customizing Your Fudge

1. Add-ins: Besides semisweet chocolate chips, you can add a variety of mix-ins to your fudge. Consider chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows. These add extra texture and flavor, making each bite unique.
2. Flavor Extracts: Vanilla extract is classic, but you can experiment with other extracts for different flavor profiles. Almond, coconut, or even mint extract can provide a fresh twist to the traditional cookie dough fudge.
3. Swirls: Create a marbled effect by swirling in some melted chocolate or caramel into the fudge before it sets. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the added ingredient into the fudge.
4. Toppings: Sprinkle the top of your fudge with sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed cookies for added texture and visual appeal. These toppings can enhance the flavor and make your fudge look even more enticing.

Tips for Success

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Good quality chocolate chips and vanilla extract can make a significant difference in the final product’s taste and texture.
2. Even Heating: When melting the ingredients together, ensure the heat is low and consistent. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from scorching and to help everything melt evenly.
3. Quick Work: Once the fudge mixture is ready, work quickly to pour it into the prepared pan and smooth it out. The fudge sets quickly, so have your pan and tools ready to go before you start cooking.
4. Room Temperature Setting: Let the fudge set at room temperature rather than refrigerating it immediately. This helps maintain the creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill it in the refrigerator, but be aware that it might become very firm.

Serving Suggestions

Cookie dough fudge is a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make your fudge even more delightful.

1. Gift Boxes: Wrap pieces of fudge in decorative boxes or bags for a perfect homemade gift. Add a personalized tag or ribbon for a special touch.
2. Party Platters: Arrange the fudge pieces on a platter with other sweets like cookies, brownies, and candy. This creates an enticing dessert display that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
3. Ice Cream Topping: Chop the fudge into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream. The combination of creamy fudge and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.
4. Coffee Companion: Serve a piece of fudge alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The rich, sweet fudge pairs beautifully with a warm beverage, making for a delightful treat any time of day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cookie dough fudge is relatively simple to make, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

1. Grainy Texture: If your fudge turns out grainy, it’s usually due to the sugar not dissolving completely. Ensure that you stir the mixture constantly and use low heat to help the sugar dissolve properly.
2. Too Soft: If the fudge doesn’t set properly and remains too soft, it might be due to undercooking or incorrect measurements. Double-check your ingredient quantities and ensure the mixture is heated long enough for everything to meld together.
3. Too Firm: If your fudge is too hard, it might be because it was chilled too quickly or for too long. Let the fudge set at room temperature initially, and if you need to refrigerate it, do so only for a short time to firm it up without making it too hard.
4. Sticky Fudge: Sticky fudge can result from humidity or not letting the fudge set long enough. Ensure you allow ample time for the fudge to set at room temperature, and consider storing it in a cool, dry place.

Making It Your Own

Part of the joy of baking is making a recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a fudge that’s uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic cookie dough flavor or try something new, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Setting and Serving

Allow the fudge to set completely at room temperature, which typically takes 2-4 hours. Once set, slice into 1” pieces and serve. This recipe yields 32 pieces, each with approximately 172 calories.

Storage Tips

Cookie dough fudge will keep well in an airtight container for at least one week. For longer storage, refrigerate the fudge, where it will stay fresh for about three weeks. Note that it will become very firm when chilled, so you might want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each 1” piece of fudge contains:

• Calories: 172
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 82mg
• Potassium: 112mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin A: 104IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 64mg
• Iron: 1mg

Please note that nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate. Actual nutritional content will vary depending on the brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

Variations and Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough Fudge

Cookie dough fudge is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas and tips to help you make the best cookie dough fudge possible.

Customizing Your Fudge

1. Add-ins: Besides semisweet chocolate chips, you can add a variety of mix-ins to your fudge. Consider chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows. These add extra texture and flavor, making each bite unique.
2. Flavor Extracts: Vanilla extract is classic, but you can experiment with other extracts for different flavor profiles. Almond, coconut, or even mint extract can provide a fresh twist to the traditional cookie dough fudge.
3. Swirls: Create a marbled effect by swirling in some melted chocolate or caramel into the fudge before it sets. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the added ingredient into the fudge.
4. Toppings: Sprinkle the top of your fudge with sea salt, sprinkles, or crushed cookies for added texture and visual appeal. These toppings can enhance the flavor and make your fudge look even more enticing.

Tips for Success

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Good quality chocolate chips and vanilla extract can make a significant difference in the final product’s taste and texture.
2. Even Heating: When melting the ingredients together, ensure the heat is low and consistent. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from scorching and to help everything melt evenly.
3. Quick Work: Once the fudge mixture is ready, work quickly to pour it into the prepared pan and smooth it out. The fudge sets quickly, so have your pan and tools ready to go before you start cooking.
4. Room Temperature Setting: Let the fudge set at room temperature rather than refrigerating it immediately. This helps maintain the creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill it in the refrigerator, but be aware that it might become very firm.

Serving Suggestions

Cookie dough fudge is a versatile treat that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make your fudge even more delightful.

1. Gift Boxes: Wrap pieces of fudge in decorative boxes or bags for a perfect homemade gift. Add a personalized tag or ribbon for a special touch.
2. Party Platters: Arrange the fudge pieces on a platter with other sweets like cookies, brownies, and candy. This creates an enticing dessert display that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
3. Ice Cream Topping: Chop the fudge into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream. The combination of creamy fudge and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.
4. Coffee Companion: Serve a piece of fudge alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The rich, sweet fudge pairs beautifully with a warm beverage, making for a delightful treat any time of day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cookie dough fudge is relatively simple to make, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

1. Grainy Texture: If your fudge turns out grainy, it’s usually due to the sugar not dissolving completely. Ensure that you stir the mixture constantly and use low heat to help the sugar dissolve properly.
2. Too Soft: If the fudge doesn’t set properly and remains too soft, it might be due to undercooking or incorrect measurements. Double-check your ingredient quantities and ensure the mixture is heated long enough for everything to meld together.
3. Too Firm: If your fudge is too hard, it might be because it was chilled too quickly or for too long. Let the fudge set at room temperature initially, and if you need to refrigerate it, do so only for a short time to firm it up without making it too hard.
4. Sticky Fudge: Sticky fudge can result from humidity or not letting the fudge set long enough. Ensure you allow ample time for the fudge to set at room temperature, and consider storing it in a cool, dry place.

Making It Your Own

Part of the joy of baking is making a recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a fudge that’s uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic cookie dough flavor or try something new, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Conclusion

Cookie dough fudge is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the best of cookie dough and fudge. With its rich, creamy texture and sweet, cookie-dough flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you can create a delicious, safe-to-eat fudge that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or as a gift, this fudge is a sweet way to bring a little joy to any day. Happy baking!