Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! These vanilla cookies are the perfect answer. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for beginner bakers and busy weeknights. Get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked vanilla cookies in your kitchen – a perfect homemade treat for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
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 energetic!
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 dry ingredients.
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 the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5: 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. Enjoy these delicious vanilla cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened. This will ensure that it creams well with the sugars, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Sprinkle Cookies: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts.
- Add Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon for different flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 5-7g Sugar: 10-12g
These vanilla cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They're quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for quick dinner ideas or a delightful homemade dessert. These easy recipes are a great way to enjoy delicious dishes, and they’re sure to become one of your best recipes! Enjoy!