The CDC Ruins Everything With Reminder to Not Eat Raw Cookie Dough

Don't eat raw cookie dough CDC wanrs

One of the biggest pleasures of the holidays for many people is the ritual and fun of baking dozens of cookies for friends, guests, and parties. But, before you get too excited, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement aiming to keep you healthy through the holiday season by reminding you to avoid eating raw cookie dough when baking all those holiday sweet treats. 

"There are many special occasions through the year that are perfect to spend time with loved ones while preparing delicious baked foods in the kitchen," the CDC said. "When you prepare homemade cookie dough, cake mixes, or even bread, you may be tempted to taste a bite before it is fully cooked. But steer clear of this temptation."

The problem stems from raw eggs and uncooked flour used in many recipes. Dough containing raw eggs can harbor salmonella, which can cause symptoms of fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. 

Uncooked flour brings its own risks, as E. coli can lie dormant for months in the flour and then reactivate when it's mixed with eggs, oil, and water. Unfortunately, the only real way to make sure your cookies are safe to eat is by cooking them in the oven. 

Of course, if the urge to consume raw cookie dough is too overwhelming there are companies who sell edible dough by the tub - or you can make your own following the quick and easy recipe below: 

Edible Cookie Dough Recipe {for two}

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/8 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoon  milk
  • 5 Tablespoons  flour (To eliminating any bacteria risks, by toasting your flour at 350 degrees F for just 5 minutes we kill off any harmful bacteria.)
  • 2 Tablespoons chocolate chips

Directions

Mix/mash the softened butter, brown sugar, salt and vanilla together in a chilled bowl. After everything has combined into a nice squishy mess, mix in the 1 Tablespoon of milk. 

Next, slowly add the flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time until the cookie dough begins to have a consistent texture. 

Finally, add the chocolate chips/nuts and tada! You've got edible cookie dough! 

Photo: Getty Images