Imagine a versatile cookie base that you can customize to create a variety of delicious treats. This Real Simple Cookie Base recipe is a go-to foundation for crafting your own unique cookies. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. Let’s get baking!
Title: Real Simple Cookie Base
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth cookie dough forms.
6. At this point, you have the base for your cookies. To customize your cookies, consider the following variations:
– For classic chocolate chip cookies, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
– For decadent double chocolate cookies, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix in 1 cup of chocolate chunks.
– For festive holiday cookies, mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruits.
– For refreshing citrus cookies, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough.
7. Roll the cookie dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or fork.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Store your Real Simple Cookie Base cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
With this Real Simple Cookie Base recipe, you can unleash your creativity and bake a variety of cookies to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip or want to experiment with new flavor combinations, this versatile cookie base is the perfect starting point for delicious homemade treats. So, gather your favorite mix-ins and get ready to enjoy freshly baked cookies straight from your oven!
