Cookie dough bites have become an increasingly popular snack and dessert item over recent years. Also known as cookie dough truffles or cookie dough balls, these small, round treats are made by rolling cookie dough into bite-sized pieces and sometimes coating them with chocolate or other toppings. But with many traditional cookie recipes containing wheat flour, are cookie dough bites actually gluten-free?
What are cookie dough bites?
Cookie dough bites or truffles are made by rolling spoonfuls of cookie dough into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter. The dough balls are then chilled until firm, allowing the butter to re-solidify and bind the mixture together. Once chilled, the dough balls can be dipped into melted chocolate or another coating, rolled in sprinkles or topping, or left as naked cookie dough bites.
Some common additions to make cookie dough bites include:
– Chocolate chips – For chocolate chip cookie dough balls. White chocolate, milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips work well.
– Nuts – Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds add crunch and flavor.
– Crushed candy – Candy pieces such as chopped Oreos, toffee, butterscotch chips or sprinkles add texture.
– Dipping chocolate – Melted chocolate, candy coating or yogurt coating to coat the chilled dough balls.
Cookie dough bites are an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings. They can be prepared 1-2 days in advance, chilled until firm and then coated with chocolate just before serving. Their small bite size also makes them perfect for serving at celebrations and as gifts.
Are traditional cookie dough recipes gluten-free?
Most traditional cookie dough contains wheat flour as the main ingredient. Wheat flours such as all-purpose flour, cake flour, whole wheat flour and bread flour all contain gluten. This means regular cookie dough made with these flours is not gluten-free.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It helps baked goods maintain their structure and gives elasticity to doughs and batters. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and other health issues.
So for people following a gluten-free diet, regular cookie dough made with wheat flour would not be suitable. Thankfully, there are now many recipes for gluten-free cookie dough bites, made using alternate flours.
Gluten-free flours for cookie dough
While wheat flours contain gluten, there are several grain and starch flours that are naturally gluten-free:
- Almond flour – Made from finely ground almonds. Gives great nutty taste.
- Coconut flour – Made from dried, defatted coconut. Very high in fiber.
- Cashew flour – Made from cashews. Subtly sweet and nutty.
- Chickpea flour – Made from garbanzo beans. Nutty flavor and high protein.
- Oat flour – Made from gluten-free oats. Adds great oat flavor.
- Rice flour – Made from ground rice. Neutral in flavor.
- Sorghum flour – Made from sorghum grains. Adds whole grain nutrition.
- Tapioca flour – Made from cassava root. Light texture and binding abilities.
Using a combination of these gluten-free flours allows gluten-free cookie dough to come together with a similar binding, structure and texture as regular wheat-based cookie dough.
However, as many of these flours have distinct flavors, the cookie dough often takes on slightly different taste profiles compared to traditional recipes. Extra ingredients like chocolate, peanut butter and spices can help mask any pronounced flour flavors.
Gluten-free cookie dough recipes
There are now countless recipes available for gluten-free cookie doughs to use in cookie dough bites and truffles. Here are some of the most popular recipes:
Chocolate chip cookie dough
This classic recipe uses a blend of almond flour, tapioca flour and oat flour along with brown sugar, butter, egg and chocolate chips. The nutty almond flour gives a great cookie flavor while the tapioca flour helps bind the dough.
Peanut butter cookie dough
For peanut butter lovers, this dough contains peanut butter, peanut flour, brown sugar, egg and gluten-free oat flour. The peanut flour contributes great peanut taste and the oat flour adds chewy texture.
Snickerdoodle dough
Cinnamon and sugar cookie dough made with almond flour, coconut flour, cream cheese, butter, egg and cinnamon. Rolling the bites in cinnamon sugar gives the snickerdoodle flavor.
Funfetti dough
A fun, colorful cookie dough with almond flour, tapioca flour, butter, sugar and sprinkles or rainbow jimmies. Kids and adults alike will love the bright colors and sweet flavor.
Cake batter dough
For serious sugar lovers, this cake-like dough is made with almond flour, coconut flour, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and sprinkles. Almost like eating raw cake batter!
Brownie batter dough
A chocolate dough with almond flour, coconut flour, cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar, egg and chocolate chips. Tastes just like brownie batter!
Making gluten-free cookie dough bites
Gluten-free cookie dough can be used to make bites and truffles just like regular cookie dough. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
Step 1 – Prepare the dough
Make the gluten-free cookie dough following your selected recipe. Be sure to chill the dough for 30-60 minutes until firm enough to handle and shape.
Step 2 – Roll into balls
Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the chilled dough. Then roll and shape between your palms into 1 inch balls.
Step 3 – Coat or decorate
You can either coat the shaped dough balls in melted chocolate, sprinkles or other coatings at this stage. Or simply keep them as naked cookie dough bites.
Step 4 – Chill
Place the shaped dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray and chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm. Transfer to an airtight container and store chilled for up to 1 week.
Ready-to-use gluten-free doughs
To make preparing gluten-free cookie dough even easier, there are several brands producing ready-made, gluten-free cookie and brownie dough you can purchase:
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Annie’s | Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough |
| Enjoy Life | Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Bites |
| Nestle | Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough |
| Immaculate | Gluten-Free Fudge Brownie Batter |
These ready-made doughs take all the work out of preparing gluten-free cookie dough from scratch. Simply form the store-bought dough into balls, coat in chocolate if desired, and chill until firm.
Safety of eating raw cookie dough
While the popularity of edible cookie dough continues to rise, there are some safety concerns to consider with eating any raw dough:
Salmonella risk
Raw eggs used in homemade cookie dough carry a small risk of salmonella. Pasteurized eggs can eliminate this risk. Store-bought doughs use pasteurized eggs.
Foodborne illness
Raw flour may contain E. coli or other bacteria if not properly handled. Again, store-bought dough undergoes safety testing.
Choking hazard
The texture of cookie dough could potentially pose a choking risk for young children or those with swallowing difficulties. Adult supervision is advised.
Despite these risks, no major foodborne illness outbreaks have been linked to consumption of edible cookie dough. Those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems may still wish to avoid raw dough to be on the safe side.
For homemade dough, using pasteurized eggs, thoroughly baking flour before use, and proper food handling hygiene can help minimize risks.
Storing and serving gluten-free dough bites
To enjoy gluten-free cookie dough bites:
– Store coated or decorated dough balls chilled in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
– Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving if chilled.
– For a crowd, arrange bites in a single layer on a platter or tray.
– Place in colorful mini cupcake liners or candy wrappers for parties.
– For gifts, pack bites individually in mini muffin liners or gift boxes.
– Provide disposable toothpicks or small napkins for easy eating.
– Advise guests to refrigerate any uneaten portions promptly.
Gluten-free cookie dough bites also freeze well for longer term storage:
– Freeze shaped dough balls on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer bag.
– Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
– Frozen bites keep for up to 3 months.
Gluten-free cookie dough bites FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about gluten-free cookie dough bites:
Are cookie dough bites safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, provided the bites are made with gluten-free flours and ingredients. Anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should always check labels.
Do I need xanthan gum to bind the dough?
Xanthan gum helps replicate the elasticity of gluten and makes gluten-free dough more cohesive. But it is not always required, depending on the recipe.
Can I make cookie dough bites without eggs?
Yes, some recipes use egg substitutes like flax eggs, banana or aquafaba instead of regular eggs. Or you can look for vegan gluten-free cookie dough.
How long do decorated cookie dough balls keep for?
In the refrigerator, decorated bites keep for 5-7 days. Uncoated bites keep for up to 1 week chilled. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months.
Is it safe for kids to eat cookie dough bites?
In moderation, they can be a fun, kid-friendly treat under adult supervision. Check labels for allergies and choking hazards for little ones.
Creative flavor ideas for dough bites
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavors and mix-ins for gluten-free cookie dough bites. Get creative with these flavor ideas:
- Peanut butter cookie dough with chocolate coating
- S’mores – Graham cracker dough with marshmallows and chocolate
- Chocolate marshmallow dough coated in sprinkles
- Pumpkin cookie dough for fall
- Eggnog or gingerbread dough for Christmas
- Red velvet dough balls coated in white chocolate
- Berry cookie dough with lemon zest
- Chocolate dough with mint chips, coated in candy canes
- Salted caramel or mocha dough coated in chocolate
- Banana bread cookie dough with walnuts
The options are endless for gluten-free cookie dough flavors. Let your imagination run wild!
Conclusion
Cookie dough bites have fast become a trendy sweet treat, but traditional recipes are not gluten-free friendly. Thankfully there are now endless recipes and ready-made doughs for gluten-free cookie dough truffles. By swapping all-purpose flour for almond, coconut and other gluten-free flours, anyone can enjoy edible cookie dough regardless of dietary needs. Roll into bite sizes and dip in chocolate for an irresistible party pleaser or gift. With so many creative flavors to try, the fun is in experimenting with gluten-free recipes and customizing cookie dough bites.
