How to Make Cookie Dough – A Step-by-Step Guide

Making cookie dough is the first step to creating delicious, homemade cookies. This guide will take you through each step to ensure your cookie dough turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients

Before starting, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for a classic cookie dough recipe:

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or hand whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheets (for baking the cookies later)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:

• Flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Stir them together with a spoon until well blended.

Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger mixing bowl:

• Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth, fluffy, and light in color.

This step typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth:

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until fully combined.
• Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, and eggs):

• Mix on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is combined evenly.

The dough should be soft, but not too sticky.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you want chocolate chip cookies:

• Fold in the chocolate chips using a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Stir until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)

Chilling your cookie dough before baking can improve texture and flavor:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it does help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies (Optional)

If you plan to bake your cookies right away:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but the center is still soft.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Store Your Dough

If you’re not baking immediately, you can store the cookie dough for later use:

• In the refrigerator: Store the dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Frozen cookie dough can last up to 3 months.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough

• Use room temperature butter for better mixing.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chilling the dough helps cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
• Customize your dough by adding nuts, candy pieces, or different types of chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make cookie dough, you can easily whip up a batch whenever you crave freshly baked cookies. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies, this basic dough is a great starting point. Enjoy!