5 things to consider when buying pre-made cookie dough for your cafe

Cookies are considered to be the most versatile baked products out there. They’re customisable and relatively inexpensive to make, so you can offer them at a lower price than other desserts. 

However, we all know that finding the right cookie recipe is not an easy feat. Making it from scratch can also be challenging especially if you don’t have the time and resources. This is where pre-made cookie doughs come in.

Why buying pre-made cookie dough is an excellent choice

Pre-made cookie doughs can be major time-savers, especially if you are baking large batches. You can simply scoop them onto a baking sheet and put them in the oven without measuring or mixing any ingredients. 

Pre-made versions are also more consistent than dough made from scratch. When you make your own dough, it can be difficult to get the texture and flavour right every time. By contrast, commercial cookie dough is produced in large batches using carefully controlled recipes, so it is less likely to vary in quality. 

But of course, just like any other aspect of your business, you need to consider a lot of factors before making your pre-made cookie dough purchase. To help you get started, here are 5 things you need to keep in mind before buying cookie dough.

Quality of ingredients

Talk to your potential supplier about the ingredients they use to ensure you're getting the best product for your money. Be sure to choose a cookie dough that is made with carefully sourced, quality ingredients. Also look for something that is free from artificial preservatives and flavourings, as these can impact the taste and texture of the final product.

For instance, at Cookie Man Australia, we only use the finest ingredients for our cookie dough, containing over 95% Australian grown produce. We also produce individual frozen cookie portions for cafes to bake freshly in-store, bulk pack cookie dough and cookie dough tubs for retail sale.

Cost

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing pre-made cookie dough. You need to determine how much you’re willing to spend to create tasty cookies for your cafe. But apart from the budget, it’s also essential to remember that in considering costs, you need to find a balance between price and quality.

A lot of cookie dough suppliers offer discounts for bulk or large orders. When doing your research, ask if they also have any promo, freebies or discounted shipping available. This is very important as it could give you additional savings, which you can allot to other areas of your business.

Shelf life

Another important thing to keep in mind is the shelf life of your cookie dough. When buying pre-made dough, always ask your suppliers how long it can last. While most variants have a relatively long shelf life, others can go bad in just a few days. 

The key to maximising the shelf life of your dough is to understand the different types of ingredients used in the product. This way, you’ll know how much cookie dough you need to have on hand at a certain time to consistently meet customer demand.

Storage

Pre-made cookie dough can be a great time saver when you're in a pinch, but it's also important to know how to store it properly. Ensure you have an adequate freezer or fridge space to keep the dough fresh. 

In addition to this, you also need to use suitable containers for your dough. The containers should be airtight and moisture-proof to keep the dough from drying out or becoming mouldy. It’s also worth asking your suppliers for any special storage requirements to ensure you’re storing them properly.

Take note that plastic bags are not appropriate for storing cookie dough. This is because the dough has flour and eggs, which can quickly become contaminated when stored in plastic containers. So be sure to invest in something that will keep your product fresh and tasty. 

Flavours

Last but not least, consider the flavour of the cookie dough. Will it complement the other items on your menu? Are they suitable for your customers’ preferences? Always choose a cookie dough that will make your cafe stand out.

For instance, if you have a lot of millennials or Gen-Z customers, you might want to offer them trendy cookie flavours such as salted jersey caramel or spotty cookies. You can also include traditional cookies like Anzac biscuits and chocolate chips for those who want the classic variants. 

These are just a few key things you'll want to keep in mind when it comes to stocking your cafe with pre-made cookie dough. Be sure to consider the cost, quality, shelf life, storage, and flavours before making your final decision.