THE ONE COOKIE BAKING MISTAKE! It’s small… but it ruins everything.

What you’ll need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to your cookie success. Here’s what to keep handy:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (room temperature for easier mixing)
Granulated sugar
Packed brown sugar
Eggs
Pure vanilla extract
Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit

If you’re looking to substitute, coconut oil can be an excellent alternative for butter, although the flavor will slightly change. Likewise, using gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour works well, too.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
If desired, fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are soft.
Let cool on the sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack.

Best ways to enjoy it

To truly savor these cookies, consider serving them warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee, and you’ll elevate your snacking experience. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving, or present them in a decorative tin for gift-giving!

Storage and reheating tips

To store your cookies, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up.

Helpful cooking tips

Use room-temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
Avoid overmixing the dough; this can lead to tough cookies.
Experiment by chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.

Creative twists

Feel free to get adventurous! Consider adding oats and coconut for a chewy texture, or swap the chocolate chips for dried cranberries and nuts for a different flavor profile. You could even infuse the dough with spices like cinnamon or ginger for a seasonal twist.

FAQs

How long do these cookies take to make?

From start to finish, you can expect only about 20-30 minutes, depending on your prep speed.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), or use applesauce as an egg replacement.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, freeze the dough in rounded tablespoon portions. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if baking from frozen.