Can You Microwave Cookie Dough: How Cookie Dough Reacts in Microwave?

Who doesn’t like the feeling of warm, soft cookies that are right out of the oven? And most of us, including me, have often wished for a solution that could allow us to quickly bake our cookies as and when we want. Something like a microwave! 

But can you microwave cookie dough? Unfortunately, most will tell you not to.  

But it’s not that you can’t microwave cookie dough. You can! There are just a few techniques to know before you attempt it.

So Can You Microwave Cookie Dough?

The short answer? Yes. But it depends on why you want to microwave it.

Do you wish to defrost it? Do you want to soften it up? Do you want to try the famous Pinterest hacks? Or do you just want a warm serving of fresh-baked cookies at your service?

The answer to all these questions vary. And if you choose to read further, I will answer all of them for you.

Is It Safe to Eat Microwaved Cookies?

Let’s say you do microwave your cookie dough and bake a cookie out of it. Will it then be safe to consume?

Technically, yes. Oven-baked cookies are safe because they are heated for a longer period of time, thus killing any bacteria the dough might have. But when it comes to microwaving it, I can assure you that is it just as safe. 

All bacteria (including salmonella) usually stop multiplying after 150 degrees Celsius/300 degrees Fahrenheit.  But to be sure, they will completely die at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Since microwaves cook at a high temperature by default, it is completely safe to consume microwaved cookie dough.

How Long Can You Microwave Cookie Dough For?

Here is the fun part! While a convection oven usually takes 10-15 minutes to bake your cookies, microwaves will do the job in just under 1 minute!

Yes, it is that quick! And not only is it super easy, but it is also very convenient to just microwave a small batch of cookies instead of the whole batch.

Be warned though, your cookies can become dry just as quickly as you can bake them in the microwave. Make sure you keep an eye on them!

Can You Microwave Raw Cookie Dough To Bake Cookies?

Don’t let the others scare you. You can absolutely bake cookies in the microwave. However, do not expect them to turn out exactly like oven-baked cookies. 

Microwave cookies don’t suit all of us. But they are definitely worth a try! 

To bake your cookies in the microwave, follow these steps:

1. Bake your cookies according to your favorite recipe. You can use already frozen dough, or make a very small batch.
2. Place your cookie dough ball on a microwave-safe dish or ramekin.
3. Microwave this dish for 40-45 seconds. If it’s still not done, add another 5 to 10 seconds.
4. Wait for 30 seconds before you devour your cookie. Once cooled down, use a fork to taste it to avoid burning your mouth.
5. Your instant microwave cookie is ready!

While I have never been against this technique, I would like to inform you of the few cons of using this.

Your microwave cookies will most likely not turn into that perfect combination of soft-on-the-inside-crunchy-on-the-outside. They will likely be very soft and gooey, if you enjoy that texture this trick will suit you.

Can You Microwave All Types of Cookie Dough?

While most doughs are suitable for microwaves, certain well-known cookie dough manufacturers don’t recommend microwaving their dough.

Let’s learn how various cookie doughs react in the microwave.

Store-Bought Cookie Dough

Although store-bought cookies baked in the microwave turn out delicious, they are as flat as a nickel. That’s why many renowned chocolate chip cookie dough manufacturers don’t suggest microwaving their cookie dough. 

However, some manufacturers are okay with microwaving their cookie dough.

Let’s see which famous cookie dough brands can go into the microwave.

Cookie Dough Brand	Can You Microwave Cookie Dough?
Aunty Kath’s	No. You should bake their cookie dough in the traditional or toaster oven.
Pillsbury cookie dough	No. This brand doesn’t recommend microwaving their cookie dough and suggests using a toaster or traditional oven.
Nestle Toll House	For the best result, you should bake their cookie dough in the oven as per their instruction. However, you may try microwaving it.
Sweet Loren’s	Yes, you can bake their cookie dough in the microwave.
Annie’s	They don’t advise using a microwave. You should bake their cookie dough as per packaging instructions.

Homemade Cookie Dough

Though the results won’t be what you’re used to, you can bake homemade cookie dough in a microwave. A microwave-baked cookie will flatten out, and it won’t be crispy on the exterior and chewy on the inside, nor will it be a golden brown color. 

Can You Heat up Cookie Dough in the Microwave?

Let’s say you do not plan to fully bake your cookies in the microwave. But what about when you want to soften up your hard and stiff cookie dough? 

I would ideally advise you against it. Your best option is to wait until your dough comes to room temperature. If you’ve already shaped your dough into balls before freezing, you can directly bake them in the oven.
If you choose to use the microwave though, make sure you do it very gradually and at your lowest temperature setting. Always keep a close eye on your dough when in the microwave.

Can You Thaw Cookie Dough In The Microwave?

Most microwaves have built-in defrost options. This can make your life incredibly easy and save up so much of your time and patience. And if your microwave does not have this option, do not worry.

All you will need to do is set your microwave to its lowest temperature setting and heat it at 10 seconds intervals. Once your dough starts getting soft, give it a light stir so that it doesn’t start baking.

Be careful to not keep your dough in the microwave for prolonged exposure to heat. Once your dough starts baking, there is no going back.

Alternatively, you can just place your cookie dough in a warm place. 

You may also like: Can You Microwave Mason Jars

However, if you are going to be using an oven to bake your cookies, you do not need to wait for your cookie dough to defrost. You can just pop your frozen dough balls in the oven and add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Can You Microwave Cookie Dough In A Mug?

Microwave mug cookies, perhaps one of the top desserts served in a mug! Who wouldn’t enjoy a cookie served in a mug, right?

And here is the good news, microwave mug cookies taste just as good as oven-baked cookies! 

While microwave cookies fail in terms of the texture of your cookies, when you bake your cookies in a mug they attain the perfect texture cookie enthusiasts are fond of.

To make a microwave mug cookie, you will need to do the following things.

1. Find a recipe that will suit your preferences. Some recipes let you directly make your dough in the mug for your convenience. My all-time favorite recipe is the following one by Em’s Kitchen.

2. Go ahead and follow the instructions of your recipe and place your mug in the microwave.
3. It should take you anywhere from 50-60 seconds.
4. Poke a skewer in the center of the mug to check if it’s done. If not, add another 10 seconds.
5. Allow your mug cookie to cool down for a minute.
6. Your microwave cookie is ready to serve!

You can also check out Mel’s 60-second chocolate chip mug cookie recipe for a detailed explanation.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Honestly, no one is going to judge you if you want to find a quick way to bake and have your cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are extremely tempting, and it’s worth a try to have a microwave cookie at least once! 

If you find that they are not for you once you try them, that’s fine. But if you end up liking the taste and texture of these lifesaving cookies, you have a hack that will save you time for your life!