Easy Cookies Recipe: The Perfect Treat for Beginners
Are you craving delicious, homemade cookies but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy cookies recipe is perfect for beginners and guarantees delicious results with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these simple yet satisfying treats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common ingredients, likely already in your pantry. No need for a special trip to the store!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a richer flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to experiment with other extracts!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base of your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Optional additions: Chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles – let your creativity shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps and you'll have warm, gooey cookies in no time!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also use a hand mixer or even do it by hand (it will just take a little longer).
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 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! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If using chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, add them now and gently fold them into the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between cookies as they will spread.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are 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 Cookies:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer and chewier.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative with different extracts, mix-ins, and spices!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use salted butter? A: Yes, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by about ½ teaspoon.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies? A: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
This easy cookies recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking journey. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your baking masterpieces!
