Dirty Soda Cookies Recipe

Dirty Soda Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 ounce) box devil's food cake mix
  • 6 fluid ounces Dr. Pepper soda or cola
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coconut milk or coconut coffee creamer
  • 1/8 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and Dr. Pepper soda. Stir until a dough forms; the dough will be sticky.

Step 3: Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down to slightly flatten the tops.

Step 4: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains soft.

Step 5: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack set over parchment paper or another baking sheet to cool completely.

Step 6: While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioner's sugar, coconut milk (or coconut coffee creamer), lime zest, and kosher salt until smooth and well-combined.

Step 7: Drizzle the coconut lime icing over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set for a few minutes until it firms up slightly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 162
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 221mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 37g 14%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 62mg 5%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 16mg 0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Dirty Soda Cookies Recipe

Dirty Soda Cookies are a delightful and unique treat that combines two beloved American staples: cola and cookies. This fun recipe features a cake mix base with a dash of Dr. Pepper (or any other cola), creating a rich, flavorful dough, while a simple coconut milk glaze adds a creamy finish. The combination of ingredients creates a soft, chewy cookie thats both nostalgic and innovative, giving a modern twist to traditional baking.

History of Dirty Soda Cookies

Though it's difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of Dirty Soda Cookies, they draw inspiration from the rise of "dirty soda" drinks in the western United States. Dirty sodas typically feature a blend of soda, flavored syrups, creamers, and sometimes candyflavors that appeal to a sweet-toothed audience. The cookies mimic this flavor profile, pairing soda with cake mix to create a quick, fun, and delicious dessert. This recipe plays on the trend by incorporating a soda flavor directly into the dough, making it a playful, modern addition to the cookie world.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While Dirty Soda is primarily a phenomenon in Utah and surrounding areas, where soda shops and drive-thru businesses serve a wide variety of soda combinations, Dirty Soda Cookies have found their way into kitchens across the country. The cookies themselves reflect the general American fondness for sweet and fizzy beverages, especially cola drinks. Depending on local preferences, some people might choose different sodas, like Pepsi, root beer, or even orange soda, allowing for a range of regional variations. The versatility of the base recipe means that many home bakers experiment with various flavors of soda or topping combinations.

How Dirty Soda Cookies Differ from Similar Desserts

What sets Dirty Soda Cookies apart from traditional cookie recipes is their reliance on soda to provide both flavor and texture. Unlike most cookies that use butter, eggs, and sugar as their primary base, Dirty Soda Cookies use a cake mix and soda, which simplifies preparation and results in a softer, lighter texture. The soda also adds a surprising depth of flavor that distinguishes these cookies from standard chocolate or vanilla options. Another standout feature is the glaze made with coconut milk and lime zest, offering a tangy-sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the soda-infused dough.

Where Dirty Soda Cookies Are Typically Served

Dirty Soda Cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, family parties, or as an unexpected dessert at holiday meals. Their quirky combination of flavors makes them a great conversation starter, and they are especially popular among fans of novelty desserts. They are commonly served at events where people are looking for something sweet but not overly complex, making them ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or as an afternoon treat for kids and adults alike. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys experimenting with soda-based recipes, which have become increasingly popular in modern baking.

Interesting Facts About Dirty Soda Cookies

  • The recipe for Dirty Soda Cookies utilizes a cake mix, making it one of the quickest and easiest cookie recipes around. No need for butter, flour, or eggs!
  • The idea of pairing soda with baked goods is part of a growing trend of "soda desserts," with recipes ranging from cakes and cookies to pies and even ice cream.
  • Some variations of Dirty Soda Cookies include adding toppings like marshmallows or crushed candies, giving them a candy-bar-like finish.
  • Though they are called "Dirty," the name is actually a fun nod to the "dirty soda" trend, rather than any unsavory quality of the cookies themselves.
  • Dr. Pepper is the preferred soda in this recipe, but it can be swapped with any type of cola or even more experimental sodas, like ginger ale or cream soda, depending on taste preferences.

With their light, fluffy texture and sweet glaze, Dirty Soda Cookies are a fun twist on classic cookies. Whether youre a fan of cola or simply enjoy trying new dessert ideas, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, bake up a batch, and enjoy these fizzy, flavorful treats that bring something a little different to the cookie jar!

FAQ about Dirty Soda Cookies Recipe

Dirty Soda Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you'd like to keep them longer, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it into balls and baking.

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

If you don't have Dr. Pepper, you can use any cola or root beer as a substitute. For a non-caffeinated option, you can use a caffeine-free soda such as a lemon-lime soda or club soda, though the flavor might change slightly.

Yes, you can skip the icing if you prefer. The cookies are still delicious without it. If you'd like a different topping, you could sprinkle powdered sugar on top or even drizzle a simple glaze of milk and sugar.

If your cookies turned out thin and crumbly, it might be due to too much soda in the dough, or overmixing the batter. Make sure to follow the recipe closely and measure your ingredients carefully. A dough that's too wet can cause cookies to spread too much during baking, making them thin and crumbly.

Yes, coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative for the icing in this recipe. You can also use any other dairy-free creamer or milk substitute if you prefer.

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the icing based on your personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter icing, add more powdered sugar. If you want a less sweet option, you can reduce the sugar amount slightly.

The dough for Dirty Soda Cookies will naturally be sticky due to the moisture from the soda and the cake mix. To handle the dough more easily, lightly coat your hands with cooking spray before rolling the dough into balls. If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling.

The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly browned, but the center is still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so make sure not to overbake them. Typically, they take about 8-9 minutes in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

Comments

Kevin Allen

11/10/2023 09:26:12 AM

The cookie was delicious, but could have used a few more minutes in the oven. Unfortunately, the icing was unpleasant. I highly recommend trying the cookie without the icing - it's a very simple recipe! 👍

Thomas Miller

02/04/2025 07:29:01 PM

The result was unexpectedly thin and crumbly, with a very sticky texture. The taste was strange and excessively sweet. I followed the recipe precisely, without making any substitutions or modifications, except for increasing the amount of coconut milk in the icing.