Are you craving the warm, comforting hug of a freshly baked cookie, but tired of the same old chocolate chip routine? Then prepare yourself for a delightful surprise! This recipe delivers the quintessential cookie experience – buttery, chewy, and utterly delicious – without relying on chocolate chips. It's the perfect blend of simple ingredients and incredible flavour, making it an ideal addition to your easy recipes collection for a quick dinner dessert or anytime treat.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses ingredients readily available in most pantries, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. Let's get started!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy
Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. This recipe is so easy, even beginners can create delicious homemade cooking magic!
Step 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. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve the same result with a sturdy hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease!
Step 2: Add 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.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This ensures that it incorporates properly with the sugars, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
Delicious Variations: Beyond the Basics
While these cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. Consider adding:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a delightful crunch.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom will create warm, comforting flavors.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest will add a bright, refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
Serving size: 1 cookie Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and variations)
This recipe offers a fantastic alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies, providing a delicious and easy recipe for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and satisfying your sweet tooth. These buttery delights are perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy!