Are you craving warm, gooey cookies but don't want to dirty your stand mixer? Then you've come to the right place! This no-mixer cookie recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for those times when you just want a simple, delicious treat without the fuss. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal equipment and just a few pantry staples. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of homemade cookies without the hassle of complicated mixing!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a wooden spoon or a spatula. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy. This step takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it!
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry 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 lead to tough cookies.
Add mix-ins: Stir in the chocolate chips (or your favorite add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles).
Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool: 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 Best No-Mixer Cookies:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – it should be easily spreadable. You can speed up the softening process by cutting the butter into smaller pieces.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies with crispier edges, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Peanut butter cookies: Substitute peanut butter for half of the butter.
- Oatmeal raisin cookies: Add 1 cup of rolled oats and ½ cup of raisins to the dough.
- Snickerdoodle cookies: Roll the cookie dough in cinnamon-sugar before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Use a nutrition calculator for more accurate values based on your specific recipe.
This easy no-mixer cookie recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious homemade treats without the need for complex equipment. It's a perfect quick dinner idea or after-school snack for the entire family. Enjoy these delightful cookies and remember to share the recipe with friends and family!