How Long to Microwave Cookie Dough – Microwaving Tips

If you’re in a pinch and want cookies fast, you may be wondering how long to microwave cookie dough. Though this may be a foreign concept to some, the truth of the matter is that microwaving cookies is possible and can yield surprisingly tasty results. But just how long does microwaved cookie dough need to cook to achieve these results? You’ll be surprised! Read on to learn how long to microwave cookie dough in only a few minutes (or less)!

Table of Contents

• What Are the Benefits of Microwaving Cookie Dough?
  • What Are the Drawbacks of Microwaving Cookie Dough?
• How Long Can You Cook Cookie Dough in the Microwave?
• Can You Microwave Cookie Dough and Make a Cookie?
• How to Make Microwave Cookie Dough
  • Microwave Cookie Dough Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
  • Microwavable Cookie Dough in a Mug For One (No Egg!)
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
• Tips for Microwave Cookie Dough
• Can You Microwave All Types of Cookie Dough?
  • Is Cookie Dough Suitable for Microwaving?
  • Can You Microwave Nestlé Cookie Dough?
  • Can You Microwave Cookie Dough in a Mug?
• How to Store Microwaved Cookie Dough
• How Long to Microwave Cookie Dough? Less Than a Minute Should Do It!
• FAQs

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What Are the Benefits of Microwaving Cookie Dough?

Before jumping into exactly how long to microwave cookie dough, it can help to know the benefits of doing so in the first place.

Microwaving cookie dough helps cut down on time and can save you if you want cookies but don’t have access to an oven.

Additionally, microwaving cookies isn’t just reserved for “cooking” cookie dough. It can also help to thaw frozen cookie dough.

Still, there are a few drawbacks when you choose to microwave cookies. Stay tuned to find out what those drawbacks are!

What Are the Drawbacks of Microwaving Cookie Dough?

The number one drawback to microwaving cookie dough is the possibility of overcooking them. Overcooking your cookie dough in the microwave can lead to a variety of unsavory consequences.

What are those consequences, you may ask? These include:

• Burning – No one wants to eat cookie dough burnt to a brittle crisp. Thus, it is essential that you closely watch the cooking time when choosing to microwave your cookies. Don’t worry. We’ll get how long it takes to microwave cookie dough in just a minute!
• Drying out – Aside from burning your cookie dough in the microwave, you could also dry it out. By cooking your cookie dough too long, you’ll render your cookie brittle and unappetizing. This can happen with any cookie dough, but especially Pillsbury cookie dough or Nestlé cookie dough.
• Losing flavor – When you burn or dry out a microwaved cookie, it can render the cookie practically tasteless. This could be an unfortunate happening for homemade cookie dough and for store bought cookie dough alike. Thus, it is important that you avoid overcooking your cookie dough to ensure the flavor of the cookie stays intact.
• Becoming hard and crunchy – This point is similar to the point about drying out a cookie, but it is still worth mentioning. Along with the cookie being dried out in general, you’ll notice that the cookie becomes hard and crunchy (and not in a good way!) Thus, if you want soft and gooey cookies, it is best to aim for less time in the microwave.
• Not cooking all the way through – To piggyback off the idea of microwaving your cookie dough for less time, you’ll need to watch for cookie dough that doesn’t cook all the way through. Eating raw cookie dough can have devastating consequences on your health. The reason? Raw cookie dough has uncooked flour and egg in it. These components can render you sick if you aren’t careful. Thus, it is important that you only eat microwave cookies if you’re sure you can get them cooked through completely. Never eat cookie dough raw!
• Becoming too greasy – Greasy cookie dough is a result of the butter in a cookie melting too rapidly in the microwave. This could render an oily mess! Although this can happen with store bought cookie dough, it is the most common occurrence with homemade cookie dough. Therefore, it isn’t always a great idea to microwave every type of homemade cookie dough.

How Long Can You Cook Cookie Dough in the Microwave?

Generally speaking, you’ll only need to cook cookie dough in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. Exactly how long will depend on a few factors. These Factors include:

• How large is your cookie dough ball
• How strong is your microwave 
• What ingredients are in your cookie dough
• The cookie dough brand

Can You Microwave Cookie Dough and Make a Cookie?

Yes, you can microwave cookie dough and make a cookie. Though the cookies may not turn out exactly as they would in the oven, they will cook through and still taste delicious, assuming that you’ve taken the necessary precautions when approaching the task.

How to Make Microwave Cookie Dough

Microwave Cookie Dough Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup of butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional but gives cookies a unique flavor)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1-2 cups of chocolate chips (adjust as needed)

Directions

1. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to cream your butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Once combined, beat your two eggs lightly before adding them to the butter and sugar mixture along with your vanilla. Mix until combined, but be careful not to overmix.
3. Mix your sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon (optional), and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Once your dry ingredients are combined, add them to your wet ingredients. Mix until just combined before gently folding in your chocolate chips.
5. Grab a microwave safe plate and add one tablespoon of your cookie dough to the plate. After rolling the dough into a ball, flatten it into a circle. Microwave your cookie on high power for about 45 seconds.
6. Check that your cookie is all the way cooked through. That’s it! Repeat this process with as many cookies as you’d like to cook. Be sure to freeze the rest of the dough in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months at the best quality.

Microwavable Cookie Dough in a Mug For One (No Egg!)

Are you looking for microwavable cookie dough with no egg? No problem!

Check out this delicious microwavable chocolate chip recipe for one.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

1. To begin this microwave cookie dough no egg recipe, place your butter in a microwave safe mug. Microwave the butter for 20 seconds or until melted.
2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to your melted butter.
3. Mix sifted all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mix along with your salt.
4. Mix in two tablespoons of chocolate chips.
5. Flatten your cookie dough in a mug as much as possible on top.
6. Top your small batch mug cookie dough with the additional tablespoon of chocolate chips (if desired).
7. Cook your mug cookies in the microwave for one minute. Allow to cool completely before enjoying.

Tips for Microwave Cookie Dough

Want more tips? I’ve rounded up some of our best tips for microwaving cookie dough so that you can make the best microwaved cookies around!

Here’s some advice:

• When microwaving cookies, beware of which cookie dough you use. Some recipes, such as those for homemade cookie dough, may end up too greasy. For starters, stick to store bought dough (such as Pillsbury cookie dough) or use a recipe specifically designed for microwaving cookie dough instead.
• Always, always, ALWAYS be careful not to overcook your cookie dough in the microwave. Doing so can render them tasteless while also changing their texture.
• Always start by microwaving your cookies at 30 seconds. From there, microwave at 15-second intervals until your microwaved cookies are cooked through.
• Remember that cooking cookies in a microwave oven aren’t going to yield the same results as baking them in an oven. Be prepared for a slight difference in taste, texture, and appearance when preparing cookie dough this way.
• Be careful not to burn your cookies! Though you may not think cookies will burn easily in the microwave, you’ll quickly find out that they do. To prevent burning, be sure to only heat the cookies for 30-45 seconds before checking them. Too much longer than that could spell trouble!

Can You Microwave All Types of Cookie Dough?

You can do whatever you want to. But is microwaving cookie dough always profitable? Afraid not.

Is Cookie Dough Suitable for Microwaving?

As previously mentioned, I recommend that you place cookies in the microwave that are made of store bought cookie dough to start. These cookies will be less likely to become buttery and greasy when compared to homemade. Once you’re ready to experiment, you can try taking homemade cookie dough and cooking it in the microwave. Or, better yet, you can simply use a recipe designed for microwave cooking, such as the recipe detailed above, to achieve the microwaved mug cookie of your dreams!

Can You Microwave Nestlé Cookie Dough?

Most sources will advise you not to microwave Nestle cookie dough. By doing so, you are ruining the cookies’ intended taste and texture. However, if you must microwave them, just be prepared for a difference in what you’re used to.

Of course, it is fine to microwave Nestle cookie dough but be sure to cook it all the way through. Whether or not you’ll actually enjoy this treat will depend on you, your preferences, and your taste buds.

Can You Microwave Cookie Dough in a Mug?

Absolutely! In the following recipe, you’ll note the instructions for how to make cookie dough in a mug quickly. In fact, you’ll use no other tools other than a mug and a spoon to create this recipe. Let’s get started!

How to Store Microwaved Cookie Dough

Storing microwaved cookies couldn’t be easier. Simply refrigerate them or keep them in the freezer.

Frozen cookie dough (or microwave cookies) will usually last up to three months in the freezer at best quality. Refrigerated microwaved cookies will last anywhere between 1-2 weeks. Check the flavor, texture, smell, and overall appearance before chowing down to make sure your cookie still looks fresh.

How Long to Microwave Cookie Dough? Less Than a Minute Should Do It!

To sum it up, microwaving cookie dough should take less than a minute to pull off. Just make sure that your cookie is all the way cooked through but isn’t burning before removing it from the microwave.

When you microwave cookie dough, place them on a microwave safe dish and always remember to start with 30 seconds and increase the amount of time you heat the cookie by 15-second intervals. Never eat microwaved cookies that aren’t cooked all the way through.

Store cookie dough in the fridge (uncooked) for 2-4 days, cooked cookie dough for up to two weeks, and cookie dough of any kind (baked or unbaked) in the freezer for up to three months.

I hope this answers the question! Take care, and see you next time!

FAQs