Enjoy the nostalgia and flavor of these iconic cookies!
Basic Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. For a traditional butter cookie look, flatten the balls gently with a fork or use a cookie press for festive shapes.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Variations:
Holiday Sparkle: Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or glaze after baking.
Zest It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12 oz.) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine Dry Ingredients:In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Scoop the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
Chill the dough for an hour before baking for thicker cookies.
Swap semi-sweet chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate for variety.
Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the sheets.
Flatten (Optional): Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to slightly flatten the balls for a traditional sugar cookie look.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Decoration:
Frosting: Decorate with royal icing or buttercream.
Sprinkles: Add before or after baking for a festive touch.
Cut-Out Shapes: Chill the dough for 1 hour, then roll it out and use cookie cutters for custom shapes.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Create the Signature Crisscross Pattern: Using a fork, press the balls flat, making a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake; they will continue to set as they cool.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie right after baking.
Crunchy Add-Ins: Stir in chopped peanuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Keep stirring, keep savoring, and always let your taste buds lead the way!
Bon Appétit and Happy Cooking! La Bella Cuoca
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