Are you tired of endless baking recipes that require multiple doughs and hours of preparation? Do you crave delicious, homemade cookies without the fuss? Then look no further! This one-dough cookie recipe is your ticket to simple, yet incredibly satisfying, baking. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend baking session. It's a delicious and versatile base that you can easily adapt to your favorite flavors. Let's get started on this journey to creating perfect, homemade cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
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 achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious! The key here is to ensure the butter and sugar are well combined, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. This step helps to bind the ingredients and give your cookies that wonderful, soft texture.
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. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so we aim for a well-combined but slightly lumpy dough.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins
Stir in your choice of mix-ins – chocolate chips are a classic, but feel free to get creative! Nuts, dried fruits, sprinkles, or even chopped candies can add a fun twist to your one-dough cookie recipe.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread during baking. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: 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. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!
Tips and Variations:
- For chewier cookies: Use more brown sugar.
- For crispier cookies: Use more granulated sugar and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Try peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, pretzels, M&Ms, or even oatmeal!
- Make it a drop cookie or a roll-out cookie: This recipe works well for both methods. For roll-out cookies, simply chill the dough for an hour, then roll it out and use cookie cutters.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on mix-ins)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious and versatile one-dough cookie recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. It’s a great example of how simple and quick homemade cooking can be, resulting in satisfying and delicious healthy meals or quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the process and the wonderful taste of your homemade cookies!