Cooking cookies on a grill may seem unusual, but it can actually produce delicious results! Grilling cookies gives them a unique flavor and texture that you don’t get from baking them in the oven. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of grilling cookies and provide tips for how to successfully make cookies on a grill.
Can You Really Grill Cookies?
Yes, you absolutely can cook cookies on a grill! Grilling cookies works similarly to baking them in the oven. The direct heat from the grill bakes the cookies, creating that classic slightly crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside texture.
While grilled cookies turn out differently than oven-baked ones, they can be just as delicious. The grill imparts a lovely smoky flavor and aroma that you don’t get from baking. Grilling gives the cookies an irresistible charred or toasted quality.
So if you want to change up your usual cookie routine, give grilling a try! With a few tips, it’s easy to make amazing cookies on the grill.
Pros of Grilling Cookies
Grilling cookies has some advantages over baking them in the oven:
Unique Flavor
The most notable benefit to grilling cookies is the flavor. The smoke from the grill seeps into the cookies, infusing them with a wonderful smoky essence you can’t replicate any other way. It gives the cookies an extra depth of flavor.
Fun Alternative Method
Cooking cookies on the grill is an unconventional and fun way to change up the classic cookie recipe. If you’re bored of oven baking, grilling cookies spices things up. It’s an interesting way to experience a familiar food in a new way.
Faster Cooking Time
Grilling often cooks foods more quickly than roasting or baking in the oven. The direct heat of the grill speedily bakes and browns the cookies. You can have fresh, warm cookiesfast without waiting for the oven to preheat.
Year-Round Option
You can grill cookies during any season, even in the summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen. Grilling lets you satisfy cookie cravings 365 days a year!
Cons of Grilling Cookies
However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
Easy to Burn
It’s easier to burn cookies on the grill than in the oven. The direct heat chars the bottoms quickly, so they need close monitoring and flipping. Going just a minute too long can blacken cookies.
Difficult Temperature Control
Ovens allow very precise temperature control, while grills can fluctuate in temperature. The inconsistent heat makes it tricky to grill cookies just right. Some trial and error is needed to learn the ideal heat and timing.
Smaller Batch Size
Grills have less space than ovens, so you may only be able to cook 1-2 dozen cookies at a time. Grilling works better for smaller batches rather than giant cookie sheets full.
Can Stick to Grates
Doughy batter has the potential to stick to grill grates before it firms up. Greasing the grates well can help avoid this headache.
Tips for Grilling Cookies
Follow these tips for achieving delicious grilled cookies:
Choose a Grill-Friendly Recipe
Some cookies work better on the grill than others. The best grilling cookies are slice-and-bake style recipes. Sturdier cookie doughs with a higher fat content hold their shape better than soft, cake-like doughs.
Here are some ideal cookie recipes for grilling:
- Sugar cookies
- Peanut butter cookies
- Oatmeal cookies
- Shortbread cookies
Avoid cookies with fillings or frosting, which will melt and ooze all over the grill.
Prepare the Grill Surface
Before placing any cookie dough on the grill, make sure the grates are clean, hot, and well-greased. Heat the grill to medium heat, around 350-375°F. Use a grilling brush to coat the grates with vegetable oil or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking.
Use a Nonstick Mat
For extra insurance, you can place a silicone grilling mat over the greased grill grates. The nonstick surface helps ensure easy cookie removal and less sticking.
Pre-slice the Dough
Most grilled cookie recipes call for slicing the dough first and then placing the slices on the grill. This gives you uniformly shaped cookies that cook evenly.
Aim for a thickness between 1/4-1/2 inch. Thinner cookies can burn too quickly while thicker ones may undercook in the center. Refrigerate sliced dough for 30-60 minutes before grilling so the pieces firm up.
Watch Closely
Cookies on a grill cook very fast, usually in just 2-5 minutes per side. Stay close by and flip them halfway through. Rotate the slices diagonally about 45 degrees for those signature grill marks.
Check constantly for burning. Use tongs to remove cookies as soon as the edges look crispy and golden brown. They’ll continue cooking off the grill.
Allow Proper Cooling
Let grilled cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on a wire rack before eating. The longer cooling period allows them to firm up after coming off the grill. Warm cookies will hold their shape better after cooling.
Experiment with Flavors
Mix up your grilled cookies by adding different flavors and mix-ins to the dough. Chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon, citrus zest, or coconut provide tasty options. You can also coat cookies in sprinkles or sanding sugar before grilling for a sparkly, sweet crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about grilling cookies:
What kind of grill is best for grilling cookies?
You can use either a charcoal or gas grill to make cookies. Charcoal grills provide an enhanced smoky flavor. Offset smokers also infuse cookies with great smoke. Just make sure the grill surface is hot and clean.
Should I use direct or indirect heat?
Cook cookies over direct heat on the grill grates. Avoid indirect, convection heat which will dry out the cookies. Place them directly over the heat source.
How do I prevent burned cookies?
Watch them closely, flip halfway through, and pull them off the grill as soon as the edges look browned. Use medium heat, avoid overcrowding, and adjust temperature down if needed.
Can I grill premade cookie dough from the store?
Yes, refrigerated slice-and-bake cookie doughs work well for grilling. Just slice them thicker than directed since they’ll flatten slightly from the grill. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the ideal grill temperature for cookies?
Aim for a medium grill temperature, around 350°F to 375°F. Higher than 400°F will burn the cookies too quickly before the centers bake through.
Grilled Cookie Recipes
Want to whip up a batch of scrumptious grilled cookies at home? Try these delicious recipes:
Grilled Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Mix flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl; set aside
- Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy
- Beat in eggs and mix well
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients
- Stir in oats and raisins
- Refrigerate dough for 1 hour
- Preheat grill to 375°F
- On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4″ thickness
- Cut dough into desired shapes; place slices on oiled grates
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned
Lemon Blueberry Grilled Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt; set aside
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in egg, lemon zest and extract
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients
- Fold in blueberries
- Shape dough into log; wrap in plastic and chill 1-2 hours
- Preheat grill to 350°F
- Remove dough from fridge; slice into 1/2″ rounds
- Place slices on oiled hot grill; cook 2-4 minutes per side
- Cool cookies on a wire rack
Chocolate Mint Grilled Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp mint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy
- Mix in egg and mint extract
- Gradually stir in dry mixture
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Shape dough into a log, cover in plastic and chill 1 hour
- Heat grill to 375°F
- Slice chilled dough into 1/4″ rounds
- Arrange slices on greased hot grill; cook 2-3 minutes each side
Conclusion
Grilling can give your cookies an incredible smoky richness and addictive crunch. With a few best practices, it’s easy to churn out amazing grilled cookies that will dazzle your tastebuds. Give this unconventional cooking method a try the next time your cookie craving strikes! Just be sure to keep a close eye on the grill to avoid scorching. Let yourself be delighted by the magical flavors created when cookie dough meets fire and smoke. Grilled cookies offer the perfect summer treat!