If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking spoonfuls of raw cookie dough, prepare to fall in love with Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting. This fluffy, fudge-like frosting captures all the nostalgia of homemade cookie dough—minus the worry of raw eggs—swirling together buttery sweetness, brown sugar warmth, and pops of chocolate chips in every creamy bite. Whether you’re dressing up cupcakes, sandwiches, or even just a graham cracker, this frosting is a treat that’s guaranteed to make desserts extra memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a bowlful of decadent Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting. Each element is carefully chosen to bring out the cookie dough essence and create that irresistible scoopable texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): The creamy foundation for our frosting, it whips up light while letting the brown sugar shine.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds unmistakable cookie dough flavor and a hint of caramel depth.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens things up and helps create a silky-smooth structure.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Loosens the buttercream for extra fluffiness and a dreamy, spreadable texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the classic cookie dough taste we all adore.
- Heat-treated all-purpose flour (1/2 cup): This is the secret to authentic cookie dough texture—heat-treating makes it perfectly safe to eat.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/3 cup): For that pop of crunch and gooey chocolate—because it isn’t cookie dough without them!
How to Make Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
Start by adding the room temperature butter and light brown sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is where the magic of that classic cookie dough flavor really begins—creaming these two brings unbeatable richness and a touch of caramel.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar to your butter mixture, just a little at a time, beating well after each addition. You’ll see the mixture transform into a velvety, smooth base. This careful addition helps the powdered sugar blend seamlessly, preventing lumps and ensuring the perfect frosting consistency.
Step 3: Mix in Salt, Heavy Cream, and Vanilla
Once the buttercream is looking nice and smooth, go ahead and add the salt, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and easily spreadable. At this stage, you can adjust the cream to reach your desired texture—a splash more makes it even silkier.
Step 4: Stir in Heat-Treated Flour
After letting your heat-treated flour cool (this crucial step makes it completely safe to eat!), stir it gently into your frosting. The flour thickens the buttercream and gives it that classic, slightly-doughy bite you’d expect from cookie dough. Mix just until everything is incorporated for a smooth finish.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
For the grand finale, fold in the mini chocolate chips. These little bursts of chocolate make every spoonful fun and totally crave-worthy. Fold them just enough to distribute evenly, but don’t overmix—you want those chips to keep their shape and pop!
How to Serve Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top is always a crowd-pleaser and makes for a bakery-style finish. You can also tuck in a few chocolate chunks or drizzle a little melted chocolate for even more indulgence. Another fun idea? Top with a pinch of flaky sea salt for sweet-and-salty perfection!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting-topped treats with a tall glass of ice-cold milk—it’s a classic combo for good reason! Fresh berries or a cup of strong coffee also help balance the sweetness and make dessert feel like an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond cupcakes and cakes, try piping this frosting between homemade cookies for a next-level sandwich treat. Spread it over brownies, dunk pretzels, or use it as a dip for graham crackers. For a playful twist, swirl it onto waffle cones and garnish with sprinkles—it’s a fun surprise for parties or birthdays!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes and give it a gentle stir to restore that just-whipped texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this buttercream! Portion it into a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing. It will stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you want to use it.
Reheating
Buttercream doesn’t need actual reheating, but if it’s too firm from the fridge or freezer, allow it to soften at room temperature until spreadable. If needed, whip it for a minute or so with your mixer to bring back that fluffy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Is flour in frosting safe to eat?
Yes, as long as it’s heat-treated! Baking the flour at 350°F for 5 minutes kills any harmful bacteria and makes it perfectly safe to use in this Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting. Let it cool completely before adding so it doesn’t melt the buttercream.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can substitute salted butter, but omit the added salt in the recipe or reduce it to taste. Using unsalted butter lets you control the flavor more precisely, which is especially important in sweets like Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Try using a vegan butter substitute and a non-dairy milk (such as oat or almond) in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting. Keep an eye on the consistency and adjust the milk as needed.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Mini chocolate chips are best since they distribute evenly throughout the frosting, delivering perfect pops of chocolate in every bite. If you want extra texture, you can use mini chocolate chunks, or even mix in some sprinkles for a festive touch!
Can I pipe this Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting onto cupcakes?
Absolutely! This buttercream holds its shape wonderfully, especially if you chill it for about 10 minutes before piping. Use a large piping tip for the best results and sprinkle on more chocolate chips for bakery-style presentation.
Final Thoughts
Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting is one of those happy-making recipes you’ll want to share with everyone—whether you slather it on cupcakes, cake, cookies, or just enjoy a spoonful straight from the bowl. Give it a try, and watch every dessert become instantly irresistible!
Print
Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Frosts about 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Cookie Dough Buttercream Frosting – a luscious, creamy frosting with the sweet essence of cookie dough. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies!
Ingredients
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heat-treated all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Flour and Chips: Stir in heat-treated flour until fully mixed. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Use or Store: Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.
Notes
- To make flour safe to eat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before use.
- For extra flavor, try using mini chocolate chunks instead of chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for heat-treating flour)
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
