Simple Cookie Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Delicious Homemade Treats
Are you craving a sweet treat but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This simple cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with minimal effort. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Make sure it's not melted, but easily spreadable.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor to your cookies.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Don't skimp on this!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins: Customize your cookies to your liking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked cookies every time.
1. Cream Together the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in lighter, chewier cookies.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
4. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
5. Add Mix-ins (Optional):
If using, gently fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
6. Scoop and Bake:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
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 the Perfect Cookie:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will be chewier.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps ensure even mixing and baking.
- Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
- Experiment with flavors: Get creative with your mix-ins! Try different types of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or spices.
This simple cookie recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking journey. With a little practice, you'll be baking delicious cookies in no time! Enjoy!
