✔ Updated · FDA guidance, symptoms and safe edible dough
I know, licking the spoon is half the fun of baking. But raw dough really isn't safe, and the good news is there's an easy way to get that cookie dough fix without the risk.
No, you shouldn't eat raw dough or batter. The FDA warns that raw flour can carry harmful bacteria like E. coli, because it isn't treated to kill germs, and raw eggs can carry Salmonella. That goes for cookie dough, bread and pizza dough, cake batter and even homemade play dough. For a safe treat, use heat-treated flour and no raw eggs.
- Raw flour: can carry E. coli. Heat-treat it to 165°F.
- Raw eggs: can carry Salmonella. Use pasteurized eggs or none.
- Applies to bread, pizza, cookie dough and cake batter.
- Store-bought edible cookie dough labeled ready to eat is fine.
Why Raw Dough Isn't Safe
Most people think the raw egg is the only problem. It isn't. Flour is a raw agricultural product: grain is milled straight from the field, and nothing in that process kills bacteria. Baking, boiling, frying and microwaving to a safe temperature do that job, which is why the same dough is perfectly safe once it's cooked.
Flour has been linked to E. coli outbreaks and recalls in the US, and the FDA and CDC both say not to eat raw dough or batter, whether it's made with eggs or not.
| Ingredient | Possible germ | How to make it safe |
|---|---|---|
| Raw flour | E. coli, Salmonella | Heat-treat to 165°F, or bake/cook the dough |
| Raw eggs | Salmonella | Use pasteurized eggs, or leave them out |
| Cooked dough | None, once fully cooked | Bake until done; bread to 190 to 200°F inside |
Can You Eat Raw Bread Dough?
No. Bread and pizza dough often have no eggs, but they're still raw flour, so the same E. coli risk applies. A pinch of raw yeast dough isn't a reason to panic, but don't snack on it, and don't let kids nibble it while you shape rolls.
Got pets? Keep rising yeast dough away from dogs. The ASPCA warns that raw yeast dough can expand in a dog's stomach and produce alcohol, which is a veterinary emergency.
What Happens if You Eat Raw Dough?
Most of the time, nothing. But when flour or eggs are contaminated, eating them raw can cause food poisoning. According to the CDC, E. coli illness usually starts 3 to 4 days after eating and causes stomach cramps and diarrhea, which can be bloody. Salmonella usually starts within 6 hours to 6 days, with diarrhea, fever and cramps.
Young children, adults over 65, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system are most at risk of serious illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody diarrhea, a high fever, signs of dehydration or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.
How to Make Raw Cookie Dough Safe to Eat
This is how I make edible cookie dough at home. The trick is heat-treating the flour first, and leaving out the eggs completely.
- Oven: spread the flour on a lined sheet pan and bake at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway, until it reaches 165°F on a thermometer.
- Microwave: heat the flour in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until it reaches 165°F all the way through.
- Let it cool completely, then sift it; it clumps a little.
- Beat softened butter with brown sugar, a splash of milk and vanilla, then stir in the cooled flour, a pinch of salt and mini chocolate chips. No eggs needed.
- Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze scoops for up to 2 months.
Is Store-Bought Cookie Dough Safe to Eat Raw?
Only if the label says so. Edible cookie dough sold as ready to eat is made with heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs or no eggs, so it's safe as directed. Regular refrigerated cookie dough meant for baking is a different product: unless the package says it's safe to eat raw, bake it first. Ice cream with cookie dough pieces uses dough made to be eaten raw.
Safe Baking Habits
- Wash your hands, bowls and counters after handling raw flour and eggs.
- Don't let kids play with or taste raw dough, including homemade play dough made with uncooked flour.
- Bake or cook dough fully. Follow the recipe's time and temperature.
- Keep raw dough away from ready-to-eat foods, like salad or frosting.
My Raw Dough Notes
Lucy and I still roll cut-out cookie dough between sheets of parchment together, and the deal in our kitchen is simple: decorate all you like, but the tasting happens after the oven.
More baking help: how to fix sticky cookie dough, does dough go bad, can you refrigerate dough and my copycat McDonald's chocolate chip cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat raw dough?
No. The FDA and CDC advise against eating raw dough or batter because raw flour can carry E. coli and raw eggs can carry Salmonella. Bake or cook it first, or make edible cookie dough with heat-treated flour and no raw eggs.
What happens if you eat raw dough?
Usually nothing, but if the flour or eggs are contaminated you can get food poisoning. E. coli symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days later, Salmonella within 6 hours to 6 days, with cramps, diarrhea and sometimes fever. Call a doctor for bloody diarrhea, high fever or dehydration.
Is it bad to eat raw dough with yeast?
Yes. Bread and pizza dough usually have no eggs, but they are still made with raw flour, which can carry E. coli. Bake it fully before eating. Also keep raw yeast dough away from dogs, since it can be dangerous for them.
How do you make flour safe to eat raw?
Heat-treat it until it reaches 165°F. Bake it on a sheet pan at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring halfway, or microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Check with a thermometer, cool it and sift it before using.
Is store-bought cookie dough safe to eat raw?
Only if the package says it is safe to eat raw. Edible cookie dough is made with heat-treated flour and no raw eggs. Regular refrigerated cookie dough made for baking should be baked first unless its label says otherwise.
