Homemade Cookies for Beginners: Simple and Easy Recipes to Get Started

Homemade Cookies for Beginners: Simple and Easy Recipes to Get Started

As a beginner in the world of baking, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the idea of creating delicious homemade cookies. But fear not! With these simple and easy recipes, you’ll be whipping up a batch of freshly baked cookies in no time.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of baking cookies and provide you with three simple recipes to get you started. Whether you’re a sweet tooth enthusiast or just looking for a fun and rewarding activity to share with friends and family, homemade cookies are a great place to begin.

The Basics of Baking Cookies

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover the basics. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind when baking cookies:

• Measure your ingredients accurately: This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial to measure your ingredients correctly to ensure the best results.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This includes butter, eggs, and sugar. This will help your dough come together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t overmix: Mix your dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies.
• Chill your dough: Chilling your dough will help your cookies retain their shape and bake up with a better texture.

Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 2: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and peanut butter. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour and peanut butter mixture until just combined. Stir in chopped peanuts, if using.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it – three simple and delicious recipes to get you started on your homemade cookie-making journey. Remember to measure your ingredients accurately, don’t overmix, and chill your dough to ensure the best results. Happy baking!