Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

Remember Cookie Dough Bites? That boxed candy you used to get at the movie theater? I was just thinking about it recently and decided I needed to make some kind of vegan version. These Vegan Cookie Dough Bites are the product of that decision. Perfect vegan chocolate chip cookie dough encased in a rich, dark chocolate shell. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients Needed For Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

Here are the ingredients you'll be needing to make this recipe:

For the Cookie Dough

• Vegan Butter: Vegan butter serves as the primary fat in the cookie dough, providing a rich and creamy texture that's essential for the authentic cookie dough flavor and mouthfeel.
• Sugar: The combination of sugar (both white and brown) adds sweetness to the dough. Sugar also contributes to the cookie dough's texture by holding moisture, which is crucial for achieving the proper consistency.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in the dough, helping to bind the ingredients together and providing a slightly denser, cookie-like texture.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough. Even in sweet recipes, a small amount of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract infuses the dough with a pleasant vanilla flavor, giving it a classic cookie dough taste that's both aromatic and appealing.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the primary dry ingredient, serving as the base for the cookie dough. It provides structure and the familiar dough-like texture.
• Nondairy Mini Chocolate Chips: These mini chocolate chips add chocolatey goodness and a burst of sweetness to the dough. They also provide texture and that signature chocolate chip cookie experience.

For the Shell

• Nondairy Chocolate Chips: Nondairy chocolate chips are used to create the chocolate shell that envelops each cookie dough bite. They melt easily and solidify when cooled, forming a protective coating around the dough.
• Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is added to the melted chocolate chips for the chocolate shell to create a smoother, thinner consistency that's easy to coat the cookie dough bites. It adds a glossy finish and enhances the overall flavor of the shell.

Steps to Make Vegan Cookie Dough Bites (with pictures!)

1. Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add cornstarch, salt and vanilla to the bowl and beat again. Add flour to the bowl and beat until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. 
2. Roll: Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Take 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a tight ball between your hands. Place it on the lined baking sheet. Continue process until you have used up all of the dough. Place the baking sheet in the freezer to chill dough balls for 15 minutes.
3. Melt Chocolate: Add nondairy chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 second increments, stirring after each. Continue until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vegan butter.
4. Dip: Once 15 minutes have elapsed, remove the cookie dough balls from the freezer. Working with one ball at a time, drop the cookie dough into the melted chocolate. Toss around with a fork to ensure all sides are coated. Try to tap off any excess chocolate when removing the cookie dough from the bowl. Place coated cookie dough ball back on the baking sheet and continue until all have been covered in chocolate. Return baking sheet to the freezer for another 5 minutes.
5. Drizzle: This step is optional but recommended for vibes. Scoop the leftover melted chocolate into a small squeeze bottle using a rubber spatula. Remove the cookie dough bites from the freezer and drizzle a light stream of chocolate over each one.

Tips For Making Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

1. Use Quality Vegan Ingredients: Choose high-quality vegan ingredients, especially vegan butter and nondairy chocolate chips, to achieve the best flavor and texture.
2. Cream Vegan Butter and Sugars: Creaming the vegan butter and sugars together until smooth and slightly fluffy is crucial. This process ensures proper texture and flavor in the cookie dough.
3. Don't Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch serves as a thickening agent, giving the dough a more cookie-like consistency. Don't omit it from the recipe.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop: To create uniformly sized cookie dough bites, use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. This ensures even cooking.
5. Freeze the Bites: After shaping the dough into bite-sized pieces, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze them for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the bites hold their shape while you prepare the chocolate shell.
6. Melt Chocolate Gently: When melting the nondairy chocolate chips for the chocolate shell, do so gently. Use a microwave or a double boiler and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
7. Dip and Roll: To coat each cookie dough bite in the chocolate shell, use a fork or a dipping tool to dip them into the melted chocolate. After dipping, roll the coated bite gently to remove any excess chocolate.
8. Get Creative with Toppings: If you want to add extra flair, consider adding vegan sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of more melted chocolate on top of the coated bites before the shell sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular butter and chocolate chips in the recipe if I'm not vegan?

Yes, if you're not following a vegan diet, you can use regular butter and chocolate chips in the recipe to make traditional cookie dough bites.

Can I substitute almond flour or coconut flour for all-purpose flour to make the bites gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free vegan cookie dough bites by using a gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, or coconut flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make the cookie dough bites without the chocolate shell?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate shell and enjoy the vegan cookie dough bites as raw cookie dough. Just be mindful of any food safety concerns with raw flour, and make sure the ingredients you use are safe to eat without baking.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough, like chopped nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Get creative and add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even crushed vegan cookies for added flavor and texture.

FAQ's Continued

Can I make these cookie dough bites ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough bites ahead of time and freeze them. Ensure they are well wrapped or placed in an airtight container so as to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use a different type of vegan chocolate for the chocolate shell, like dark or white chocolate?

Yes, you can use different types of vegan chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, to create variations in the chocolate shell. Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

How can I achieve the classic cookie dough flavor without eggs?

Achieving the classic cookie dough flavor without eggs can be done by using a combination of vegan butter, sugars, and vanilla extract. The cornstarch also contributes to the dough's texture and flavor.

How can I adapt the recipe to be nut-free if I have allergies?

To make the recipe nut-free, choose a vegan butter and chocolate chips that are nut-free. Also, avoid adding nuts or nut-based ingredients as mix-ins, and ensure your flour and other ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility.

Can I make larger or smaller cookie dough bites by adjusting the portion size?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookie dough bites by changing the portion size when forming them. A smaller portion size will result in more bites, and a larger size will yield fewer, larger bites.

How to Serve Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

As a super fun and kid-friendly dessert, there are a bunch of ways to serve these bites. Here are some ideas:

1. On a Platter: Arrange the cookie dough bites on a serving platter, so guests can help themselves. This is a simple and elegant way to present them for a gathering.
2. In Mini Cupcake Liners: Place each cookie dough bite in a mini cupcake liner for a neater and more festive presentation. This also makes them easy to pick up and enjoy.
3. Sprinkles or Toppings: Decorate the cookie dough bites with sprinkles, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
4. With Fresh Fruit: Serve the cookie dough bites alongside a selection of fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or apple slices. The combination of fruit and cookie dough is undoubtedly awesome.
5. With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: Pair cookie dough bites with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warm and cold contrast is especially heavenly.
6. In a Gift Box: Package cookie dough bites in a decorative box or tin and give them as gifts for special occasions or to share with friends and family.
7. In a Cookie Dough Sundae: Create a cookie dough sundae by topping a scoop of vegan ice cream with cookie dough bites, chocolate sauce, and whipped coconut cream.
8. Decorate Cakes or Cupcakes: Use the cookie dough bites as decorative elements on cakes or cupcakes to add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Remember to serve your vegan cookie dough bites chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference, so they mimic the flavor and texture of classic cookie dough. Be creative and enjoy these delightful treats in the way that also suits your occasion and taste best.

How to Store Vegan Cookie Dough Bites

Properly storing vegan cookie dough bites is essential to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft. Here's how to do it:

1. Refrigeration: The best way to store vegan cookie dough bites is in the refrigerator. To this end, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and safe to eat. The cool temperature also helps maintain the dough's texture.
2. Airtight Container: Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent moisture from getting in and affecting the texture of the dough.
3. Separate Layers: If you're stacking multiple layers of cookie dough bites in the container, consider placing parchment paper or wax paper between the layers so the bites do not stick together.
4. Label and Date: To keep track of their freshness, label the container with the date you made the cookie dough bites. They are best when consumed within a week or two.
5. Freezing (Optional): If you want to store them for a more extended period, consider freezing the cookie dough bites. To summarize, place them in an airtight container, separate layers with parchment paper, and label the container with the date. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your vegan cookie dough bites stay fresh and safe to eat. Enjoy them whenever you have a craving!

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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