Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough Dip

Surprise! I love cookie dough.

I know, right? Such a shock after last week's post with the cookie dough cupcakes. [/sarcasm]

Sarcasm aside, I love cookies and I love cookie dough. I'm sure I've talked about it before, but cookies were one of the first things I started baking on my own way back in the day. It's still my go to for a quick dessert to bring somewhere or if I'm just itching to get in the kitchen. And don't even get me started on cookie dough.. There were definitely a few different occasions, but I remember hiding with a few friends down by the lake with a HUGE monstrous tub of cookie dough from the supermarket eating spoonfuls of cookie dough. I don't remember much else other than that we were laughing so hard from the sugar rush.

And while I love eating plain cookie dough, as evidenced by the various truffles and cookie cups I've made, I've had my eye on a few different cookie dough dips. Like, cookie dough that's creamy enough you can dip something (whether it's a pretzel, another cookie, or fruit, if you're trying to be healthy) into it. Because why not.

So, when a couple weeks ago, one of the guys from Chobani's social media team reached out to me and asked if I had heard their new #MadeWithChobani campaign? I knew I wanted to participate, especially considering it's called "The Delicious Bowl" and all about creating healthy recipes for the Superbowl? I said yes and it didn't take me long at all to figure out what to make. [[and with full disclosure, they only asked if I wanted to be involved. No compensation or free yogurt. The yogurt I got to make this recipe with was purchased by myself. I just thought it would be a fun challenge to do!]]

First things first, I love football, I love the Superbowl, and I love all the eating and drinking that's involved with said Superbowl. Honestly, you could sit me in front of a TV with wings, beer, and various dips and I would be SUCH a happy camper. The only problem (which isn't really a problem unless it's how you eat every day) is that most 'game day food' is pretty caloric, not good for you, and heavy. Which, don't get me wrong, I love. But with the Chobani's challenge, I was excited to think outside the box. I started thinking about savory dishes and dips I could create or revamp with greek yogurt. But then I came to my sense and realized that I am a Bakeaholic and that I should come up with something sweet.

Duh.

And so I came up with this greek yogurt cookie dough dip. Now, don't expect this to taste like pure cookie dough because it doesn't and it won't. The idea was to make something healthy. Or, well, healthier because let's be honest, if you eat that entire bowl and entire plate of cookies by yourself, it's not gonna be good for you. But! If you share with friends, TOTALLY doable. And sure, I'm sure adding sugar and chocolate chips negates the benefits greek yogurt but it's still so much better for you than eating straight up cookie dough.

But back to the flavors. This isn't regular cookie dough. We took out the butter and powdered sugar I saw that most cookie dough dips had and I added less sugar. We added in creamy greek yogurt and cream cheese for a boost in creaminess, protein, and tart flavor. We added some brown sugar and flour to help give it more of a cookie dough feel. And of course, we added vanilla for some flavor and chocolate chips because cookie dough dip wouldn't be cookie dough without them. It's not exactly like eating cookie dough but it's only 6 ingredients, delicious, and a healthier snack. So, if you want to try something new and exciting, I suggest you line up and get an animal cracker. I'll share.

Disclaimer: In case you didn't read the above post, I was asked to participate in the Chobani #MadeWithChobani campaign but did not receive any products or compensation in return. Everything was completely paid for by me and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough Dip

serves 4-6

6 oz plain Chobani 0% fat greek yogurt
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract. Beat in brown sugar and flour and smooth and incorporated. Add about 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips and stir those in. Sprinkle remaining chips on top. Serve with whatever you'd like - animal crackers, pretzels, or sliced up fruit.

[source: a Confectionary Tales original]