When you're just trying to binge-watch Netflix, baking doesn't always sound like the best option. Even when trying to bake cookies, you can't help but sneak in a lick from that cookie dough. While this sounds like a good idea, it is important to consider the risks of eating raw cookie dough. For this reason, one company that sells edible cookie dough will be taste-tested to see how it matches up with the average Pillsbury.
Raw Cookie Dough, Not So Innocent
Raw eggs are used to bind cookie dough together, but because they are raw, there is a chance of Salmonella bacteria. Most food safety guidelines note that the egg—when cooked—should be at least white with the yolk firm, but don't believe that raw eggs are the only problem.
On May 31st, 2016, General Mills issued a recall of 10 million pounds of flour; the flour was linked to outbreaks of E. coli. There have been at least 38 people across 20 states that contracted the infection. The bacteria, when killed by heat, can be dealt with and is safe for consumption. Now if only there were a solution to our cookie dough cravings.
Your Prayers Have Been Answered
A small, but blossoming company that started in Traverse City called Big Dipper Dough Co has thankfully done the work so you don't have to. The company uses heat-treated flour and completely takes eggs out of the equation. When it comes to health, the company also goes to great lengths to use only the best ingredients. Their chocolate chips are GMO-free and organic. Let the taste test begin.
Taste Test: Who will DOMINATE?
In the test to see how the cookie crumbles, or doesn't, I have chosen five people to sample Big Dipper's signature chocolate chip flavor "Rocket Chip," as well as Domination. All the test subjects are college-aged and have never tried edible cookie dough before. To judge their reactions, whether positive or negative, each person rated the cookie dough on a scale of 1 through 5 and gave their reason for their rating.
After the taste test was conducted, 3 of the 5 noted that for not containing eggs it was interesting how the dough was still very creamy. Rocket Chip received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. One such tester commented, "I loved how fluffy and light it was, it had a great flavor." Rocket Chip is a traditional chocolate chip flavor that uses butter and water to ensure a decadent texture and smoothness.
But Domination (dough that contains chocolate chips, oats, coconut and peanut butter) was the winner in the end. The flavor received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. All but one person preferred the cookie dough with more ingredients because it brought along a wider range of flavors.
One taster said, " I like how all of the ingredients mesh well and are not overwhelming." Domination was frequently compared to a peanut butter no bake cookie, and its crumbly texture and non-traditional taste drew people in the most.
Overall, the dangers of eating raw dough are not something to take lightly. Make sure that the dough is egg-free and contains heat-treated flour.
You know the potential risks of consuming raw dough, so switching to edible cookie dough make perfect sense. Big Dipper is located in only twelve different states, but the Cookie Dough Cafe or Hampton Creek Just Cookie Dough are good alternatives. After the taste test, people concluded that not only is edible cookie dough great tasting, but it's not that bad for you either. Now, you can watch Netflix and eat cookie dough, all the while being stress free.