Can You Eat Raw Cookie Dough While Pregnant?

Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck

Raw cookie dough is a no-no while you’re pregnant. The risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses is just too high. So, instead of indulging in your sweet tooth craving, bake up a batch of safe-to-eat cookie dough bites. You can find recipes online or in cookbooks specifically designed for pregnant women.

When it comes to cookie dough, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, indulge in the safe-to-eat variety and enjoy!

Table of Contents

What happens if I eat raw cookie dough while pregnant?

You could be at risk for food poisoning if you eat raw cookie dough while pregnant. Raw eggs, which are often found in cookie dough, can contain salmonella. And, eating raw flour can also make you sick. So, it’s best to avoid eating raw cookie dough while pregnant. If you’re craving something sweet, try one of these safe-to-eat cookie dough recipes instead.

Cookie dough recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined.
Add flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in milk until the dough is smooth.
Place spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Is edible cookie dough safe to eat during pregnancy?

Yes, as long as it’s made with safe-to-eat ingredients. Look for recipes that don’t use raw eggs or raw flour, as these can make you sick. Instead, substitute pasteurized eggs and heat-treated flour. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store.

What other raw-flour dangers should I watch out for?

In addition to cookie dough, there are other foods made with raw flour that you should avoid while pregnant. These include:

Unbaked pies and tart shells
Uncooked pasta
Rice pudding
Homemade playdough

If you’re craving any of these foods, look for recipes that use heat-treated flour instead of raw flour. This will help reduce your risk of food poisoning.

When it comes to raw cookie dough, it’s best to play it safe. There are plenty of recipes for safe-to-eat cookie dough bites that use heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs. So, indulge your sweet tooth without putting your health at risk.

What’s the best way to handle raw flour?

The best way to handle raw flour is to avoid consuming it altogether. If you do come in contact with raw flour, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You should also clean any surfaces that may have come in contact with the flour. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid eating raw cookie dough or any other food made with raw flour. Look for recipes that use heat-treated flour instead. This will help reduce your risk of food poisoning.

What happens if you get salmonella while pregnant?

If you get salmonella while pregnant, you could experience diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps [1]. You might also vomit or have nausea. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your healthcare provider right away. Salmonella can be dangerous for both you and your baby.

Conclusion

Raw cookie dough is a no-no while you’re pregnant. That’s because it can contain raw eggs and raw flour, both of which can make you sick. So, instead of risking food poisoning, indulge your sweet tooth with one of these safe-to-eat cookie dough recipes.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860824/#:~:text=Like%20other%20food%2Dborne%20illnesses,of%20cases%2C%20might%20lead%20to

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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.