Who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, sometimes all you want is a simple, no-fuss recipe that will give you soft, chewy, and golden cookies every single time. These classic soft cookies are made with just a handful of pantry ingredients, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and quick the recipe is. Perfect for a cozy day at home, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, these cookies will never disappoint. Let’s dive into the recipe and bake something wonderful!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for rich and soft cookies)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the perfect level of sweetness)
- 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to enhance the flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation for chewy cookies)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (to help the cookies rise)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar should be fully incorporated, and you should notice a soft, creamy texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until the egg is fully incorporated. The vanilla extract will add a warm, sweet scent that’s essential for this recipe. Make sure the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the dough. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small increments, stirring gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the dough comes together and there are no visible flour streaks.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small dough balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them enough room to spread as they bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center should still look slightly soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a little after you take them out of the oven, so don’t wait for them to fully harden in the oven.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that they set perfectly, staying soft and chewy on the inside.
Congratulations! You’ve just baked a batch of the best soft and chewy cookies. With their irresistible texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, share them with friends, or just indulge in a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, these cookies never fail to bring smiles. The best part? They are quick and easy to make, so you can have fresh cookies in no time. Happy baking!