Hafrashas Challah - Cookie Dough

QUESTION: I made a large batch of cookie dough (with 5 lbs. of flour). It was made with eggs and corn oil, but no water. Must I separate challah? Do I make a beracha?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (YD 329:9) writes that if one makes dough with fruit juice (or eggs and corn oil) even if it contains no water, it is obligated in challah. Since according to Shulchan Aruch there is an obligation to separate challah, a beracha is recited as well. However, the Shach (329:9) points out that in truth this is a matter of dispute between the Rambam and the Rosh whether this type of dough is obligated in challah. Shulchan Aruch is following the ruling of the Rambam, but according to the Rosh, a dough made without water, olive oil, honey, or wine is exempt from challah. The Shach concludes that because this is a matter of dispute, challah should be taken but without a beracha. However, the Aruch Hashulchan (329:3) writes that if even one drop of water was added to the dough, all would agree that challah must be taken and a beracha should be said. For example, if initially one rinsed out the mixing bowl and didn’t completely dry it, such that the eggs and oil were poured onto one drop of water, a beracha can be said. Also, if the recipe included vanilla extract which contains water, a beracha can be said when separating the challah.

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