What Are the Six Basic Cookie Recipes?
Basic cookie recipes are the foundation of every baker’s kitchen. Cookies come in many varieties, each with its own unique flavor and texture. But did you know that all cookies fall into six basic categories? Each type is based on how the dough is prepared and baked. Mastering these six types of cookies will improve your baking skills and allow you to create endless variations.
In this article, we will explore the six basic cookie recipes. We’ll also provide tips on how to make them perfectly every time.
1. Basic Drop Cookie Recipes: How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies
Drop cookies are the easiest type to make. The dough is simply dropped onto a baking sheet, and then baked. This type of cookie is soft and chewy. Chocolate chip cookies are the most popular example of drop cookies.
Classic Drop Cookie Recipes: Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic cookie recipe that everyone loves is chocolate chip cookies. These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with melted chocolate chips in every bite. To make them, mix your dough and drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown.
Key tips:
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness.
Recipe:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Mix the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking soda. Combine all ingredients, fold in chocolate chips, and drop dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
For more ideas on perfecting your chocolate chip cookies, visit King Arthur Baking or check out this guide to popular cookie recipes.
2. Easy Bar Cookie Recipe: The Best Brownies
Bar cookies are baked in a pan and cut into squares or bars. These cookies are chewy and often thick. Brownies are a classic bar cookie that many people love.
Easy Bar Cookie Recipes: Brownies
Brownies are rich and fudgy. They’re perfect for chocolate lovers. The dough is spread evenly in a baking pan, making them simple to prepare. Once baked, they are cut into bars.
Recipe:
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour and cocoa powder. Mix everything together, pour into a greased pan, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Looking for more tips on baking perfect brownies? Check out Taste of Home or explore more bar cookie recipes.
3. Best Rolled Cookie Recipes: Classic Sugar Cookies
Rolled cookies require you to roll the dough flat and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Sugar cookies are a popular type of rolled cookie, especially during holidays.
Best Rolled Cookie Recipes: Sugar Cookies
Rolled sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. They are soft, buttery, and hold their shape well.
Recipe:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Slowly add flour and baking powder. Roll out dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. After they cool, decorate with icing or sprinkles.
For more decorating tips, visit Wilton or explore cookie decorating ideas.
4. Classic Molded Cookie Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies
Molded cookies are shaped by hand before baking. Peanut butter cookies are a classic example. These cookies are soft with a chewy center and a crunchy exterior.
Classic Molded Cookie Recipes: Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are easy to mold. The dough is rolled into balls, then pressed with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
Recipe:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
Mix peanut butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add flour until combined. Roll dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and press with a fork. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
5. Simple Pressed Cookie Recipe: Spritz Cookies
Pressed cookies are made by pushing dough through a cookie press or pastry bag. Spritz cookies are a common type of pressed cookie, often seen around the holidays.
Delicious Pressed Cookie Recipes: Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are buttery and delicate. You can make different designs using a cookie press.
Recipe:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Use a cookie press to shape the dough on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
6. Basic Refrigerator Cookie Recipe: Shortbread Cookies
Refrigerator cookies, also called icebox cookies, are made by chilling the dough before slicing and baking. Shortbread cookies are a popular type of refrigerator cookie.
Simple Refrigerator Cookie Recipes: Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are rich and buttery. The dough is rolled into logs, chilled, and then sliced for baking.
Recipe:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flour
Mix the butter and sugar until creamy. Gradually add the flour. Shape the dough into logs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Slice and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
Regardless of the type of cookie recipe you are following, there are key tips that will help you achieve perfect results.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients.
- Chill your dough: This helps control spreading and improves the texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Watch your oven: Cookies can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep an eye on them as they bake.
For more general baking tips, check out this helpful guide from Food Network or explore more cookie recipes on the site.
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