How to Make Cookie Dough (Step by Step)

Homemade cookie dough is the foundation of delicious cookies, whether you’re baking a classic chocolate chip cookie or experimenting with new flavors. Follow this step-by-step guide to make perfect cookie dough every time.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

• Flour: 2 ¼ cups (all-purpose flour)
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Sugar:
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• Eggs: 2 large eggs
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins of your choice.

Tools:

• Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk or Sifter: For mixing dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Hand or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Spatula: For mixing and scraping the bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Preheat the Oven (if baking immediately): Set to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
3. Measure Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting for smooth preparation.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:
   • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • ½ teaspoon salt
2. Whisk or sift the dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, add:
   • 1 cup softened butter
   • ¾ cup granulated sugar
   • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

1. Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about 1/3 at a time.
2. Use the mixer on low speed or a spatula to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 7: Add Optional Mix-Ins

1. Stir in your choice of mix-ins, such as:
   • 1–2 cups of chocolate chips
   • Chopped nuts, candies, or dried fruits.
2. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold them evenly into the dough.

Step 8: Chill the Dough (Optional)

1. For thicker, chewier cookies, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. If you prefer thinner, crispier cookies, skip this step.

Step 9: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop dough into balls using a spoon or cookie scoop (about 1–2 tablespoons each).
   1. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.

Step 10: Bake and Cool

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone (they’ll firm up as they cool).
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Variations

1. Double Chocolate Chip: Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips.
2. Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
3. Oatmeal Raisin: Substitute 1 cup of flour with oats and mix in raisins.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Dough

1. Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with sugar, creating a smooth base.
2. Measure Accurately: Too much flour can make the dough dry, while too little can make the cookies spread too much.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough.
4. Taste Test Safely: If you want to taste the dough, ensure it’s egg-free or use pasteurized eggs.

Storing Cookie Dough

• Refrigerate: Store dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Shape dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Making cookie dough at home is simple, fun, and allows for endless customization. Whether baked fresh or stored for later, your homemade cookie dough will deliver delicious, crowd-pleasing results every time. Enjoy!