Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, microwaved on high for 3 minutes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips, divided
- 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups melted white chocolate
Directions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease an 8″ or 9″ square pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Cookie Dough Base:
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add the microwaved all-purpose flour (make sure it’s cooled after microwaving) and kosher salt to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough mixture until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Fudge Mixture:
- In another large bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate until well combined.
- Combine Cookie Dough and Fudge:
- Fold the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate mixture into the cookie dough mixture. Ensure a thorough mix, creating a luscious and smooth fudge batter.
- Top with Chocolate Chips:
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips on top, pressing them slightly into the fudge for decoration.
- Chill to Perfection:
- Refrigerate the fudge until it is firm, which usually takes about 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the fudge to set properly.
- Cut into Squares:
- Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into delectable squares.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the Cookie Dough Fudge squares on a serving platter and treat yourself to this irresistible, indulgent delight.
Optional Enhancements:
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the fudge for a beautiful contrast.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts or cookie crumbles on top for added texture and flavor.
- Sea salt flakes on top can enhance the sweet and salty combination.
Indulge in the heavenly combination of cookie dough and fudge with this delightful recipe!
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Irresistible Cookie Dough Fudge Bliss:
1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough to save time. Ensure it’s safe to eat raw since this fudge doesn’t undergo baking.
2. Can I substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred chocolate, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor. Dark chocolate will result in a richer taste.
3. How long does it take for the fudge to set in the refrigerator?
- It typically takes about 2 hours for the fudge to firm up in the refrigerator. You can check by gently pressing the surface to see if it’s set.
4. Can I freeze this fudge for later?
- Yes, you can freeze this fudge in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
5. What’s the purpose of microwaving the flour?
- Microwaving the flour helps eliminate any potential bacteria, making it safe to consume raw. It also enhances the flavor by removing the raw flour taste.
6. Can I add nuts to the fudge?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be a delicious addition, providing extra crunch and flavor.
7. How do I store leftover fudge?
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for several days.
8. Can I use sweetened chocolate instead of white chocolate?
- While white chocolate is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with sweetened chocolate. Adjust the sugar content accordingly.
9. What’s the best way to cut the fudge into neat squares?
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This ensures clean, smooth edges.
10. Can I make this fudge ahead of time for an event? – Yes, you can prepare this fudge a day in advance. This allows it to set properly and develop its flavors.
11. Can I use a different size of pan? – Adjust the pan size accordingly; just be aware that it may affect the thickness of the fudge and the required setting time.
12. How can I make the fudge less sweet? – Reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie dough or use unsweetened chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
13. Can I add vanilla extract to the fudge mixture? – Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the fudge mixture enhances the overall flavor.
14. Can I make this fudge without the microwave step for the flour? – While microwaving the flour is a safety measure, you can also bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Enjoy making and savoring your Irresistible Cookie Dough Fudge Bliss!
Tips for additional flavor and presentation:
- Infuse with Cookie Extracts:
- Enhance the cookie dough flavor by adding a few drops of cookie extracts like butter or vanilla. This boosts the cookie essence in the fudge.
- Layer with Cookie Crumbs:
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed chocolate chip cookies or your favorite cookie crumbs between the fudge and the chocolate chips for added texture.
- Create a Swirled Effect:
- Before refrigerating, use a knife or toothpick to create swirls in the fudge. Swirling melted dark chocolate into the white chocolate mixture adds a visually appealing touch.
- Experiment with Chocolate Varieties:
- Mix different types of chocolate chips, such as semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate, to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt:
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the fudge just before refrigerating. The saltiness enhances the sweetness of the fudge.
- Include Mini Cookie Pieces:
- Fold in mini chocolate chip cookie pieces into the fudge mixture for additional cookie crunch throughout.
- Drizzle with Caramel:
- After cutting into squares, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the individual pieces. The caramel adds a rich and gooey element.
- Dip in Dark Chocolate:
- Dip the bottom of each fudge square in melted dark chocolate. This creates a chocolate shell and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Sprinkle with Edible Gold Dust or Sprinkles:
- For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the top with edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles before the fudge sets.
- Top with Toasted Nuts:
- Toast chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts and sprinkle them on top of the fudge for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Create a Cookie Dough Swirl:
- Reserve a small portion of the cookie dough mixture and swirl it on top of the fudge before refrigerating. It creates a beautiful marbled effect.
- Shape into Truffles:
- Instead of cutting into squares, shape the fudge mixture into bite-sized truffles. Roll them in cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or coconut for variety.
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Serve each square of fudge with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Customize with Fun Additions:
- Incorporate fun additions like colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even mini marshmallows for a whimsical touch.
Remember, these tips are meant to inspire creativity, so feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. Enjoy creating and savoring your upgraded Irresistible Cookie Dough Fudge Bliss!
Here are some secrets to make your fudge truly exceptional:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients:
- Start with high-quality butter, pure vanilla extract, and premium chocolate chips. Quality ingredients contribute to a richer and more indulgent flavor.
- Microwave Flour for Safety:
- Microwaving the flour ensures it’s safe to eat raw, eliminating any potential bacteria. It also removes the raw flour taste, enhancing the overall cookie dough experience.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Well:
- Creaming the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy creates a light and airy texture in the cookie dough, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Fold Chocolate Chips Gently:
- When incorporating mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough, fold them in gently to avoid breaking or crushing the chips. This maintains the chocolate chip texture in the fudge.
- Adjust Salt Wisely:
- Be mindful of the salt content, especially if using salted butter. The right amount of salt enhances the flavors without making the fudge overly salty.
- Melt White Chocolate Carefully:
- When melting white chocolate, use a gentle heat to avoid scorching. Stir frequently and melt in short intervals to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Ensure Even Distribution:
- When folding the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate into the cookie dough, ensure an even distribution for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Refrigerate for Proper Setting:
- Refrigerate the fudge for the recommended time (about 2 hours) to allow it to set properly. This ensures a firm yet creamy texture.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal:
- Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This makes it easy to lift the set fudge out of the pan for clean and simple cutting.
- Cut with a Hot Knife:
- Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before making each cut. This helps achieve clean, smooth edges without dragging or sticking.
- Experiment with Extracts:
- Add a drop or two of almond or butter extract to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall fudge experience.
- Balance Sweetness with Dark Chocolate:
- If you find the fudge too sweet, consider drizzling or dipping it in melted dark chocolate. The bittersweet chocolate balances the sweetness.
- Personalize with Mix-Ins:
- Customize your fudge by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Let the Fudge Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the cut fudge squares to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to bloom and the texture to soften slightly.
Remember, these secrets are meant to enhance your baking experience, so feel free to adapt them to your preferences and enjoy the process of creating the perfect Irresistible Cookie Dough Fudge Bliss!
