Cake Cookies: The Best of Both Worlds
Are you craving the moistness of a cake and the portability of a cookie? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe combines the best of both worlds, resulting in deliciously soft and flavorful cake cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for achieving that perfect, creamy texture.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang. (If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to bake these amazing cake cookies:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in soft and airy cookies. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Buttermilk
Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cake Cookies:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures that all your cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit to your batter for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cake Cookies: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Cake Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
These cake cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and add-ins to create your own unique variations! Remember to share your creations and tag us using #CakeCookies. Happy baking!