5 Easy Recipes That Will Make You Love Cookie Dough Even More | One Good Thing by Jillee

Thanks to either his Norwegian ancestry, Midwestern roots, or possibly a combination of both factors, my husband has always been extremely passionate about dessert. The way he tells it, they almost always had something sweet to eat after dinner when he was a kid, which helps explain why his sweet tooth is as robust as ever all these years later.

While it can be a bit irritating to hear “…So what’s for dessert?” after I’ve spent the last hour cooking dinner, Dave redeems himself somewhat by being so easy to please. As long as there’s a pint of ice cream in the freezer or a tube of cookie dough in the fridge, he’s happy as a clam, and I get to keep my sanity (or what’s left of it, anyway!)

And speaking of tubes of cookie dough, that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in today’s blog post! As a tribute to Dave and dessert enthusiasts everywhere, today I’ll be sharing 5 crave-worthy dessert recipes you can whip up quickly and easily with the help of a package of store-bought cookie dough.

Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious, and these cookie dough desserts prove it! :-)

A Few Notes On Sizes And Brands

At the top of each recipe below, I’ve made a note about what type of cookie dough the recipe calls for and how much of it you’ll need. The 16-ounce size is easy to find, as most standard-sized cookie dough tubes (as well as those “break-and-bake” type doughs) are either 16 ounces each or close to it.

The 30-ounce size of refrigerated cookie dough can be a bit tricker to find. Look for packages marked as “Family Size,” which should be around the right amount. As for 36-ounce sizes, you can either double up and use two 16-ounce packages, or look for cookie dough packaged in a tub, as those usually hold about 36 ounces.

As far as which brands you should buy, I say go with the one you and your family like the best! Some people prefer Pillsbury, while others accept only Toll House. Since cookie dough plays a major role in all of these desserts, picking a tasty one will ensure a tastier dessert! :-)

5 Delicious Desserts You Can Make With Store-Bought Cookie Dough

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

The Dough: 36 ounces of chocolate chip cookie dough

What do you get when you combine chocolate chip cookies with mini Reese’s peanut butter cups? You get these ultra-crave-able Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups!

I wrote a post about them way back in 2013, which you can check out here. The recipe can be found in that post, but they’re so easy to make that you barely even need one!

How To Make It:

1. Divide the dough into each of the 24 cavities of a mini muffin pan.
2. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
3. While the cookies are still warm, press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each one.
4. Add sprinkles if desired (or just do what I do and immediately inhale 3 of them while they’re still warm and gooey.) :-)

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

The Dough: 16 ounces of chocolate chip cookie dough

Why choose between cookies, cheesecake, or pudding when you can have all of them at once? This multi-layered dessert has something for everyone, and since it needs to chill in the fridge overnight, it’s perfect dessert to make ahead for a barbecue or potluck.

How To Make It:

1. Press the room temperature cookie dough into an ungreased 9×13” baking dish.
2. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown, then cool on a wire rack.
3. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth, then gently incorporate 8 ounces of whipped topping and spread the mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
4. Next, whisk together 3 cups of milk, one 3.4-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding, and one 3.4-ounce package of instant chocolate pudding, then spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
5. Finally, spread another 8 ounces of whipped topping evenly over the top, sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired, then cover and refrigerate overnight (or for 8 hours) before serving.

3. Fruit Pizza

The Dough: 16 ounces of sugar cookie dough

For an easy dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth, but isn’t overly rich or decadent, try this Fruit Pizza! With its sugar cookie crust, cream cheese filling, and fresh fruit toppings, this low-stress dessert makes the perfect way to end the meal at your next backyard barbecue.

How To Make It:

1. Press the sugar cookie dough into an even layer on a pizza pan or a large pie plate (around 10.5” or larger.)
2. Bake the cookie dough at 350°F for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping and spread the mixture over the cookie crust.
4. Scatter pieces of peeled, sliced fruit over the cream cheese layer. Use berries, bananas, mango, kiwi, or whatever else you like, then slice up your fruit pizza and enjoy!

4. Skillet Cookie

The Dough: 30 ounces of chocolate chip cookie dough

For fans of chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges, the Skillet Cookie is a must-try dessert experience. Baked in a single layer in a cast iron skillet, this giant cookie is extra crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and begging to be topped with a big scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream.

How To Make It:

1. Use a bit of vegetable oil to grease your cast iron skillet, then press the cookie dough into a single, even layer inside the skillet.
2. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Let cool for at least a few minutes to firm up, then slice and serve.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars

The Dough: 16 ounces of chocolate chip cookie dough

A cheesecake who’s crust is actually chocolate chip cookies? Say no more! :-) These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars are sure to be a hit with cookie lovers, cheesecake lovers, and everyone in between.

How To Make It:

1. Line a 9” square baking pan with parchment paper, then press three-quarters of the chocolate chip cookie dough (about 12 ounces) into an even layer in the bottom of the pan.
2. Using a mixer, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese until fluffy, then add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until combined. Add 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and mix again until well incorporated.
3. Pour the cream cheese and egg mixture over the cookie dough in the pan, then break up the rest of the cookie dough you reserved earlier and sprinkle it over the top.
4. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is barely set and the cookie bits on top have started to brown.
5. Set it on a rack to cool completely, then cut into bars and serve.

Do you have a favorite cookie dough dessert?