Are you craving warm, gooey cookies but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This simple cookie recipe uses just one stick of butter, making it a perfect quick dinner dessert or a delightful treat for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even with minimal ingredients and time. This recipe is perfect for beginners looking for easy recipes, yet experienced bakers will also appreciate its simplicity and adaptability. Get ready to experience the joy of making these unbelievably delicious cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this step, but you can also use a sturdy spoon if you prefer a good arm workout!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips (or your preferred mix-ins – nuts, dried fruit, sprinkles – get creative!).
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk – the perfect ending to any healthy meal or quick dinner!
Tips for Cookie Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this ensures that it creames well with the sugars. Don't melt it!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup peanut butter for 1/2 cup of the butter.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Add 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1/2 cup raisins to the dough.
- Snickerdoodle Cookies: Replace the chocolate chips with cinnamon sugar.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, expect roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This one-stick-of-butter cookie recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that anyone can master. It's a versatile base recipe that you can adapt to your preferences, making it a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!