Chocolate-Covered Cookie Dough Balls

Embark on a culinary adventure with our chocolate-covered cookie dough balls recipe—a delicious concoction that perfectly marries the nostalgic joy of raw cookie dough with the indulgent satisfaction of velvety chocolate. Picture this: bite-sized orbs of bliss, each boasting a sumptuous blend of vegan butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter, all enveloped in a smooth vanilla-kissed dough.

What makes these treats even more irresistible is their hassle-free preparation—no eggs in sight, and an easy process of shaping, freezing, and dunking in a river of melted chocolate. Get ready to experience the sheer delight of a safe-to-eat, no-bake cookie dough sensation that’s not only fun to make but even more enjoyable to devour!

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

These amazing edible cookie dough balls are made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here are the ingredients you’ll need, with a few suggested substitutions!

Vegan Butter: This plant-based hero brings a rich and creamy texture to our cookie dough, ensuring a luscious taste without the need for traditional dairy. Feel free to use refined coconut oil here if you’d prefer.

Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the necessary sweetness that balances the savory notes in our cookie dough truffles, creating a perfect contrast of flavors.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar, on the other hand, contributes moisture and a subtle molasses hint, adding depth to each bite. It elevates our cookie dough, making it irresistibly chewy and flavorful.

Applesauce: This is the secret to our egg-free delight! Applesauce steps in as a binder, ensuring the perfect cookie dough consistency without the need for eggs. Plus, it brings a hint of natural sweetness to the mix.

Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, the choice is yours—either way, it’s the perfect partner to the dough’s sweetness. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own homemade peanut butter.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract transforms our cookie dough into a fragrant masterpiece, infusing it with warmth and depth. It’s the aromatic key that turns a good treat into an extraordinary one.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our dough, all-purpose flour provides structure, helping the cookie dough maintain its shape while achieving that perfect chewiness. If you’d prefer a gluten-free option, a reliable gluten-free flour blend will also work here!

Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda is our rising star, creating the ideal lift and fluffiness in each cookie dough truffle. It ensures the perfect texture without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Hot Water: Paired with baking soda, hot water activates its magic, helping the dough rise and giving our no-bake cookie dough that irresistible lightness. It’s the behind-the-scenes wizardry that ensures a delightful bite.

Salt: A pinch of salt is the unsung hero that elevates the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in our cookie dough. It’s the balancing act that keeps each bite perfectly nuanced.

Vegan Chocolate Chips: These little bursts of chocolatey goodness bring joy to every bite, creating pockets of melty delight in each cookie dough ball. Choose your favorite vegan chocolate chips for a personalized touch, whether it’s dark, semi-sweet, or even a playful mix.

How To Heat-Treat Flour

Ensuring the safety of your raw cookie dough goes beyond merely omitting eggs. Surprisingly, the primary concern lies in the flour, which can harbor potential pathogens such as salmonella. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution to enjoy worry-free indulgence. Heat treating the raw flour is crucial, requiring it to reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can easily achieve this through one of these methods:

1. Microwave approach: Place the flour in a generously sized microwave-safe bowl and heat it at full power for 1 1⁄2 minutes, pausing at 30-second intervals to stir thoroughly.
2. Oven method: Alternatively, employ this method by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat. Bake for 5 minutes, ensuring to stir thoroughly halfway through.
3. Stovetop instructions: Preheat a large skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Add the flour, and stir constantly for 5 minutes.

Regardless of your chosen method, it’s crucial to allow the flour to cool completely before incorporating it into your recipe, ensuring a safe and delicious cookie dough experience.

How To Make This Edible Cookie Dough Balls Recipe

Making these cookie dough bites is a breeze! Follow these instructions for chocolate-covered cookie dough bites bliss!

Make The Dough

Cream the vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth in a large bowl. Then mix in the applesauce, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt.

Dissolve the baking soda in hot water. Add it to the batter. Then, mix in the flour and stir until a dough forms.

Shape The Dough

Shape the vegan cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it into the freezer for one hour.

Melt The Chocolate

Using a double-boiler, melt the chocolate. You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave.

Double-Boiler Method: Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Add the chocolate to the bowl over the simmering water.

Stir continuously as the chocolate melts, ensuring it becomes smooth and glossy. Be cautious not to let any water from the steam get into the chocolate, as it can cause it to seize. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the heat.

Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate at 50% power in short intervals, such as 20 to 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate thoroughly between each interval.

Keep a close eye on the chocolate to prevent overheating. It may not look fully melted until stirred, so check the consistency after each interval. Continue microwaving and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and has a smooth, liquid consistency.

Allow the melted chocolate to sit for a moment before using it, as it can retain heat and continue to melt even after being removed from the microwave.

Coat The Cookie Dough Balls

Dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate using two forks. Spin to coat. Tip: Work quickly as the chocolate can harden quickly!

Freeze The Cookie Dough Balls

Transfer the chocolate-coated cookie balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for one hour before enjoying!

Variation Ideas

These vegan cookie dough bites can be dressed up if you’d like for parties (or just for yourself!) Here are some spectacular ideas to add a little pizzazz to these bites!

Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Take your cookie dough balls to the next level by drizzling them with contrasting melted chocolate. A dark chocolate or white chocolate drizzle adds a simple, artistic touch that not only enhances the flavor but also adds an elegant finish.

Coconut Bliss: Immerse your cookie dough balls in a bed of coconut flakes for a tropical twist. The subtle nuttiness and chewy texture of coconut perfectly complement the sweet, creamy goodness of the dough.

Mini Chip Marvel: Infuse extra chocolatey goodness by mixing in vegan chocolate chips into your cookie dough. Each bite becomes a mini explosion of rich chocolate, creating a delightful contrast to the smooth dough.

Sprinkle Spectacle: Elevate the visual appeal by rolling your cookie dough balls in a medley of colorful vegan sprinkles. Not only does this add a vibrant touch, but it also introduces a delightful crunch with every bite.

Cocoa Powder Dusting: Give your cookie dough balls a sophisticated touch by dusting them with high-quality cocoa powder. This adds a hint of deep chocolate flavor and provides an enticing, velvety finish.

Crushed Nut Crunch: Add some crunch by coating them in finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. The combination of creamy dough and the nutty exterior creates a textural symphony.

Zesty Citrus Surprise: Infuse a burst of freshness by incorporating finely grated citrus zest (lemon or orange) into your cookie dough. The citrusy notes add a refreshing element, making each bite a tantalizing experience.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures that your vegan cookie dough bites stay fresh and delicious. To keep them at their best, consider these suggestions:

• Refrigeration: For short-term storage, keep your vegan cookie dough bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.
• Freezing for Future Indulgence: Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for several weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few minutes.
• Layering with Parchment: When storing in containers, layer the cookie dough balls with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to grab a few at a time without any fuss.
• Room Temperature Enjoyment: If you prefer a softer texture, you can store a small batch of cookie dough bites at room temperature for a day or two. However, keep in mind that they may become too soft if left out for an extended period.

Remember to label your storage containers with the date to keep track of their freshness!

FAQs

Edible Cookie Dough Ball photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.