Making cookie dough from scratch is simple and allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking. Here's a basic recipe for making classic cookie dough:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups of your favorite mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Add Mix-ins: Stir in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit, until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
8. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one for spreading.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Store any leftover cookie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days or freeze it for longer storage. You can also bake the cookie dough directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your homemade cookie dough in all your favorite cookie recipes!