So, you want dessert and a drink at the same time? Welcome to the genius invention that is cookie dough hot chocolate. It’s like dunking cookies into hot chocolate—except the cookie flavor is already in the drink. Less mess, more yum. Honestly, this is comfort food disguised as a beverage, and I’m not even mad about it.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First of all, it tastes like liquid cookie dough with a hot chocolate hug. Do I really need to say more? It’s sweet, creamy, a little over-the-top, and perfect for when you’re having a bad day—or a good one, honestly.
Second, it’s super easy to make. You don’t need baking skills, a stand mixer, or even patience. If you can melt chocolate and stir, you’re in. And let’s not ignore the fact that this recipe makes you look like a culinary genius when, in reality, you just stirred butter and sugar into milk. Fake it ‘til you make it, right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups whole milk (go big or go home)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (because hot chocolate without chocolate chips is just hot milk)
- ¼ cup cookie dough (use edible cookie dough, because we’re not trying to get sick here)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for that classic cookie dough vibe)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (liquid gold, basically)
- Whipped cream (piled high, no shame)
- Mini chocolate chips and cookie crumbles (the more toppings, the better)
Optional: A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness—yes, even dessert drinks need seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Don’t let it boil unless you’re auditioning for “Worst Cooks in America.”
- Stir in the chocolate chips until smooth and melted. You should now have the beginnings of hot chocolate heaven.
- Add the edible cookie dough, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything melts into the drink. Taste-test at this stage—you deserve it.
- Pour the mixture into mugs, then go crazy with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and cookie crumbles. Basically, turn it into a dessert tower.
- Sit back, sip, and feel like you’re drinking nostalgia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using raw cookie dough. Unless food poisoning is your vibe, stick to edible cookie dough.
- Overheating the milk. Burnt milk smells like sadness. Keep it low and slow.
- Not adding enough toppings. This drink is extra. If you’re going to do it, do it right.
- Skipping the salt. I know it sounds weird, but a tiny pinch of salt makes the sweetness pop instead of punch you in the face.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Dairy-free? Swap milk for oat or almond milk, and use vegan chocolate chips. Boom—cookie dough hot chocolate goes plant-based.
- No edible cookie dough? Make a quick one: mix flour (microwave it first to kill bacteria), butter, sugar, and vanilla. Instant safe dough.
- Don’t like chocolate overload? Use white chocolate chips instead. It’ll taste like sugar cookie hot chocolate, which is equally amazing.
- Want a grown-up version? A splash of Baileys or Kahlua turns this into the party drink of the season.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes, just heat the milk in short bursts and stir in the chocolate and cookie dough. But don’t wander off—microwaves are sneaky.
Does this taste too sweet?
It’s cookie dough hot chocolate. Of course, it’s sweet. If you want less sugar, cut back on the brown sugar and use dark chocolate chips.
What kind of cookie dough works best?
Edible chocolate chip cookie dough is the MVP, but sugar cookie dough also works if you’re feeling adventurous.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Double or triple the recipe in a pot and serve it at a holiday party. Your guests will love you forever.
Do I have to use whipped cream?
Technically, no. But honestly, skipping it is like ordering pizza without cheese. Why would you?
Can kids drink this?
Yes, unless you spike it with Baileys (in which case, maybe not).
Final Thoughts
Cookie dough hot chocolate isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. It’s cozy, indulgent, and the kind of thing you make when you want to feel like you’re living your best life. Whether you’re curled up in a blanket watching movies or trying to impress a friend with your “fancy” drink skills, this recipe delivers.
So grab a mug, pile on the toppings, and sip your way into cookie-flavored bliss. And hey, if you want to call it dinner, I won’t judge.