Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, at room temperature; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, divided

This chocolate chip cookie dough dip is a delicious treat that’s hard to resist! Imagine the creamy, sweet flavor of cookie dough—without the need for baking. It’s a fun twist on traditional cookie dough, made safe to eat since there are no raw eggs or flour. This recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a nostalgic taste of cookie dough. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up and pairs perfectly with all kinds of dippable snacks!

A sweet memory: how I discovered this recipe 🍪

I first came across this recipe when planning a last-minute gathering with friends. I wanted something easy to make that didn’t involve the oven (it was a hot summer day, and baking was the last thing on my mind!). A friend mentioned a cookie dough dip they’d tried once, and I was intrigued. So, I whipped up a quick batch, not expecting much—and wow, it was a hit! The creamy, sweet dip with mini chocolate chips was a fun and unexpected treat. Everyone gathered around, dipping graham crackers, apple slices, and pretzels, and the dip disappeared fast. Now, it’s my go-to for gatherings, and I always get asked for the recipe!

Edible cookie dough has been around for a while, but it’s had a major resurgence in recent years. Back when traditional cookie dough was a popular snack (even though raw eggs and flour aren’t safe to consume), people just couldn’t get enough of that sweet, buttery flavor with chunks of chocolate. As concerns around food safety grew, dessert shops and home bakers started developing edible versions that skip the eggs and uncooked flour. Now, cookie dough-inspired treats are everywhere—from ice creams to candy bars, and of course, this dip! This chocolate chip cookie dough dip takes that concept one step further, transforming the flavors of cookie dough into a creamy, dippable form that’s perfect for sharing.

Let’s talk ingredients: keeping it simple and sweet

This recipe uses just a few pantry and fridge staples:

Butter: Adds richness and that classic cookie dough flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it mixes smoothly. If you want a healthier option, you could try substituting with a plant-based butter, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy, spreadable texture. I’ve found that using full-fat cream cheese works best, but if you want a lighter dip, you could opt for a reduced-fat version. Just make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and depth to the dip. The molasses in brown sugar gives the dip a little extra something. In a pinch, you can use dark brown sugar, but it will have a more intense flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the dip without the graininess you’d get from granulated sugar. It also helps balance the richness of the cream cheese and butter.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Mini Chocolate Chips: These give you that classic chocolate chip cookie vibe in every bite. I like using mini chips because they distribute more evenly, but regular chocolate chips will work if that’s what you have on hand.

Essential kitchen tools: what you’ll need

This recipe doesn’t require much in terms of equipment, which is part of its charm:

Hand mixer: This is the best tool for getting your butter and cream cheese perfectly creamy. You can use a stand mixer if you have one, but it’s not necessary.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl will give you plenty of space to mix everything without making a mess.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the chocolate chips.
Serving bowl: Choose something cute if you’re setting this out for guests. It makes the presentation extra special.

Cream the butter and cream cheese
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This step is key! You want a smooth base so the dip isn’t lumpy. (If you don’t have a hand mixer, a sturdy whisk and a bit of elbow grease will work in a pinch.)
Add the sugars, vanilla, and salt
Once the butter and cream cheese are perfectly smooth, add in the brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed at first to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium until everything is fully combined. The dip should be fluffy and slightly thick, like cookie dough.
Fold in the chocolate chips
Set aside a couple of tablespoons of chocolate chips for sprinkling on top, and stir the rest into the dip. Folding them in by hand prevents over-mixing and keeps the dip light.
Serve and garnish
Scoop the dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips on top. This extra garnish makes the dip look extra tempting!

Delicious variations to try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations I’ve tried:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter to the mix for a deliciously nutty twist. The salty-sweet combination is amazing!
Gluten-Free: The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, so just serve it with gluten-free dippers like rice crackers or apple slices.
Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, holiday-inspired flavor. Perfect for dipping gingerbread cookies!
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works!

Each variation brings a little something different to the dip, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

How to serve: dippers and presentation ideas

This chocolate chip cookie dough dip is super versatile when it comes to serving. Arrange a variety of dippers around the bowl to create an eye-catching spread. Some of my favorites include:

Graham crackers: They add a slight crunch and a hint of honey that pairs beautifully with the dip.
Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
Apple slices: For a slightly healthier option, apple slices add a refreshing, crisp contrast to the creamy dip.
Chocolate chip cookies: Why not double down on the cookie flavor?

For a cute presentation, you can serve the dip in a small bowl and place it in the center of a large platter surrounded by dippers. It’s an easy but impressive way to make your dip the centerpiece of the table!

Drink pairings

This sweet dip is perfect for pairing with drinks that complement its creamy, chocolatey flavor. Here are a few suggestions:

Iced coffee or cold brew: The slight bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of the dip, making for a balanced combo.
Milkshakes: A simple vanilla or chocolate milkshake pairs well with this dip for a decadent treat. Kids especially love this pairing!
Sparkling water with a splash of berry syrup: If you want something light and refreshing, sparkling water with a hint of fruit syrup is a great choice.
Chai latte: The warm spices in chai bring out the cozy flavors of the dip, making this an excellent option for fall gatherings.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my experience!), you can store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s made with cream cheese, it needs to stay chilled. When you’re ready to serve it again, give it a quick stir—no need to reheat. It tastes best cold or at room temperature, so just pull it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly.

Scaling the recipe for different group sizes

This recipe makes enough for a small gathering, but it’s easy to scale up or down. If you’re doubling it for a big crowd, just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl to avoid splattering. For a smaller batch, halve all the ingredients, but keep the mixing times the same to maintain the creamy texture. I’ve found that the recipe scales well without any issues, so feel free to adjust as needed.

Potential issues and how to avoid them

Lumpy dip: If your butter or cream cheese isn’t fully softened, you might end up with lumps. To fix this, just let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer and try mixing again.
Too sweet: If the dip is a bit too sweet for your taste, you can cut back on the powdered sugar. Just add a little at a time until you find the right balance.
Too thick: If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk (just a teaspoon at a time) until you get the desired consistency.

Ready to dip in?

I hope you’re as excited to try this chocolate chip cookie dough dip as I was when I first discovered it! It’s a fun, easy dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family. Feel free to play around with the variations and make it your own. Happy dipping!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.

2. Can I freeze the dip?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the cream cheese may change texture when thawed.

3. What can I serve with this dip?
Graham crackers, apple slices, pretzels, and chocolate chip cookies all work well!

4. Can I use regular chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mini chips just distribute more evenly, but regular ones work fine.

5. How can I make this dip vegan?
Use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes for a delicious dairy-free option.