COOKIES

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What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small, sweet baked treats that are usually round and made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and flavorings such as vanilla or chocolate. They can be soft and chewy, crispy, or even cake-like, depending on the ingredients and baking methods used.

Cookies are popular worldwide and come in various types, including chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, shortbread, and sandwich cookies. They are often enjoyed as snacks, desserts, or accompaniments to tea and coffee.

How to Make Cookies

Ingredients for Basic Cookies:

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1-2 cups chocolate chips or other mix-ins (nuts, raisins, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Dough

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:

    • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making the cookies softer.

  2. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

    • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract for flavor.

  3. Mix 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, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.

  5. Add Mix-Ins:

    • Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins using a spatula or spoon.

2. Shaping and Baking the Cookies

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Scoop the Dough:

    • Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop small portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  3. Bake the Cookies:

    • Bake for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size and desired texture. Soft cookies require less time, while crispier cookies may need a bit longer.

  4. Cool the Cookies:

    • Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

✅ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in proper mixing and even baking.
✅ Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling for 30 minutes to 1 hour enhances flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
✅ Do Not Overbake: Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
✅ Experiment with Flavors: Try different mix-ins like peanut butter, coconut, cinnamon, or dried fruit.

Variations of Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic and popular, filled with chocolate chips.

  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Made with oats and raisins for a chewy texture.

  • Peanut Butter Cookies – Rich and nutty, often with a crisscross pattern on top.

  • Shortbread Cookies – Buttery and crumbly, great for tea time.

  • Sugar Cookies – Sweet and often decorated with icing or sprinkles.

Cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you like them chewy, crispy, or soft, following these steps will help you bake the perfect batch! 🍪😊



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