Introduction:
This is the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever need! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up delicious, soft, and chewy cookies in no time. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking for a simple treat, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results.
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or 4-5 minutes by hand.
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough forms.
Add extras (optional): Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit if you’re using any.
Shape the cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers will look slightly soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description:
These cookies are simple yet incredibly satisfying. The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the slight crispness around the edges adds the perfect contrast. They’re quick to make and perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a party treat. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or keeping it classic.
Tips:
Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugar, which helps achieve that light texture.
Don’t overbake: To get soft, chewy cookies, keep an eye on the time and don’t let them brown too much. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Chill the dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Make them bigger: If you prefer larger cookies, simply roll the dough into bigger balls, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Variations:
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a classic favorite.
Oatmeal Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with oats for an oatmeal cookie variation. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries.
Nutty Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
Sugar Cookies: Skip the chocolate chips and bake as is for a simple sugar cookie. You can sprinkle them with extra sugar before baking for a sweet finish.
Corrections:
If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches a soft, cohesive dough.
If the cookies spread too much while baking, it could be because the dough was too warm or the baking sheet wasn’t lined properly. Ensure your dough is chilled, and always use parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Enjoy:
Now, sit back and enjoy these deliciously easy homemade cookies! Whether you eat them warm from the oven or save them for later, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea!