There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? Cookies are the ultimate comfort food, and I can’t think of a better way to dive into baking than with a simple cookie recipe. Trust me, this is one of those cookies recipes that even beginners can master without any fuss. It’s all about mixing a few basic ingredients together and, before you know it, you’ll have a warm, gooey batch to enjoy. I remember the first time I baked cookies with my mom – it was pure joy! We laughed, made a mess, and filled our hearts and bellies with sweet treats. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on making these delightful cookies that are sure to bring a smile to your face!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is the first fun step in making these delicious cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This gives your cookies that sweet crunch.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Use light or dark – it adds a lovely caramel flavor!
• 2 large eggs: They should be at room temperature for better blending.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Don’t skip this! It adds a warm, inviting flavor.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and get that lovely texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 2 cups chocolate chips: Go for semi-sweet or even mix in some milk chocolate for extra sweetness!

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to dive into the mixing magic!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the fun part! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delightful cookies. Don’t worry; you’ve got this!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a good old wooden spoon works just fine too! Aim for a light, airy consistency; it should look a bit like whipped frosting. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, which gives your cookies that perfect texture.

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition – this ensures they’re fully incorporated into the batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Oh, the smell of vanilla is just heavenly! It enhances the flavor and makes your cookies even more irresistible.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. This step is essential because it prevents any clumps in your batter and ensures that your cookies rise evenly!

Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, alternating with a bit of dry and then a bit of wet. This gentle approach prevents the dough from becoming tough. You’ll want just enough stirring to combine everything, so don’t worry if you see a few flour streaks – that’s perfectly fine!

Adding Chocolate Chips

Here comes the fun part – folding in the chocolate chips! Use a spatula to gently mix them into the dough. You can get creative here too! Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts or swap the chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips if you’re feeling adventurous.

Baking the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a tad soft. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out!

Cooling the Cookies

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time is important because it allows them to firm up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack. If you move them too soon, they might fall apart. Patience is key!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: This cookie recipe is perfect for beginners – no complicated techniques here!
• Quick to Make: You can whip up a batch in just under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute cravings!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar and vanilla creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips or add nuts to make it your own!
• Perfect Texture: You’ll achieve soft, chewy cookies that are golden around the edges and gooey in the center.
• Great for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, there’s plenty to share with family and friends – or keep them all for yourself!
• Fills Your Home with Aroma: The sweet smell of baking cookies will have everyone coming to the kitchen, eager for a taste!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re on your way to baking some scrumptious cookies, here are a few expert tips to ensure your cookie-making experience is smooth and successful!

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Just stir until everything is combined, and you’re good to go.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer. If your oven runs hot or cold, it can affect the baking time and overall texture of your cookies.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, consider using a cookie scoop. It not only makes the process easier but also ensures that all your cookies bake evenly!
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or swap in different types of chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts. It’s a fun way to make the recipe your own!
• Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set. This way, they won’t fall apart when you transfer them!
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for later – just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to create cookie magic! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each cookie. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 2g

This cookie recipe is not only delicious but also manageable on the calorie front! Perfect for a sweet treat without too much guilt. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

As you embark on your cookie-baking journey, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some common queries about these delightful cookies recipes.

Q1: Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different sugars, but keep in mind that using all granulated sugar will make your cookies a little less chewy and more crisp. Brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor, so I recommend sticking to the original mix of both for the best results.

Q2: What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem at all! You can substitute chocolate chips with other mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or even butterscotch chips. Get creative! Just remember to keep the total amount around 2 cups so your dough maintains the right consistency.

Q3: How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Q4: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prepare the dough in advance, just cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

Q5: What’s the secret to soft cookies?
The key to soft cookies is not to overbake them! Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them, giving you that perfect soft texture.

For more tips on baking cookies, you can check out this resource from King Arthur Baking for expert advice!

Cookies Recipes for Beginners: 7 Easy Steps to Bake!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious cookie recipe for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

• For softer cookies, do not overbake.
• You can chill the dough for 30 minutes for a thicker cookie.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or nuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cookies recipes