Simple & Sweet: Easy Cookie Recipes For Beginners

Easy Cookie Recipes That Anyone Can Bake

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cookie? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, cookies are a classic treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser. But sometimes, the thought of whipping up a batch of cookies from scratch can seem daunting. Fear not! This article is packed with easy cookie recipes that even the most novice baker can master.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can’t have a cookie roundup without the iconic chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Stir in chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
6. Chill dough (optional): For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape better.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. 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.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Use good quality chocolate: The type of chocolate chips you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies.

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.

Chill the dough (optional): As mentioned earlier, chilling the dough can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

2. Snickerdoodle Cookies

These classic cinnamon sugar cookies are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Prepare the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
6. Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cookie balls on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
8. 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.

Tips for the Best Snickerdoodles:

Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.

Roll the dough evenly: Make sure the dough balls are all the same size for even baking.

Store in an airtight container: Snickerdoodles stay fresh best when stored in an airtight container.

3. Sugar Cookies

These simple sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. Decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or whatever your heart desires!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Chill dough (optional): For easier rolling, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
6. Roll out and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings.

Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies:

Use a rolling pin: A rolling pin helps to ensure even thickness for the cookies.

Chill the dough (optional): Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and prevents it from sticking to the rolling pin.

Get creative with decorations: Have fun with different colors, textures, and designs.

4. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These classic oatmeal raisin cookies are packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Stir in oats and raisins: Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. 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.

Tips for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

Use old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oats have a chewier texture than quick oats, which makes for a more flavorful cookie.

Toast the oats (optional): Toasting the oats adds a nutty flavor to the cookies.

Add nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delicious crunch to these cookies.

5. Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic peanut butter cookies are simple to make and bursting with peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cream the peanut butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla extract.