When it comes to sweet treats, few things are as satisfying, and easy-to-make, as cookies. Handheld, personal-sized, and delicious, cookies are great on the go, perfect for packing in lunchboxes, and can be whipped up at home in under 30 minutes. There are so many varieties of cookies to enjoy, from classics like shortbread and chocolate chip, to healthier options such as oatmeal, or frosted cutout cookies perfect for holiday get-togethers.
In the quest for perfect cookie recipes, your options are virtually limitless. Cookies are perfect for novice and expert bakers alike and a great baking project to do with the kids. Let’s delve into the world of cookies and see exactly what makes the cookie crumble!
Simple stats about cookies
Whichever cookie recipe you decide to make, there are three basic ingredients found in nearly every type of cookie:
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Fat
Along with the three basics will be other ingredients, including eggs, milk, chocolate, coconut, spices, nuts, and more.
There are 6 basic types of cookies
- Molded cookies: Usually formed by rolling the dough into a ball shape with your hands. They are sometimes pressed flat prior to baking, as is common with peanut butter cookie recipes. You can prevent dough from sticking by keeping utensils or fingers lightly dusted with flour or sugar.
- Dropped cookies: Traditionally the easiest cookies to make. With dropped cookies, you’ll “drop” teaspoons of dough onto a cookie sheet prior to baking. As the dough is usually very soft, be sure to leave about two inches between the cookies to accommodate the spreading that happens during the baking process. If you want cookies to be uniform in size, you should use a cookie scoop.
- Rolled cookies: Rolled cookie dough is stiffer than the dough you’ll find in drop-cookie recipes. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a sheet on a lightly floured board, and then cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. For the best results, use as little flour as possible, and work with small portions of dough at a time. Rolling dough thicker will result in a softer cookie, while thinner dough makes crispier cookies.
- Pressed cookies: Certain cookies, like spritz, require the use of a cookie press. Pressed cookie dough is soft enough to go through the cookie press, but stiff enough to hold its shape. If the dough is too stiff, you can add an egg yolk to the batter; if the dough is too soft, put it in the refrigerator to firm it up.
- Refrigerator cookies: These cookies, commonly known as sliced cookies, are made by rolling dough into a thick cylinder before chilling in the refrigerator until ready to bake. To prevent the dough from absorbing odors from inside your fridge, be sure to wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap. The dough can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Once you’re ready to bake, thinly slice the dough and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bar cookies: These soft cookie squares are more like a cake than a cookie. Brownies are an example of a bar cookie. They are baked in a pan with raised sides and should be allowed to cool completely before cutting into bars.
What ingredient makes cookies moister?
Trying to make super-moist cookies? Add a tablespoon of molasses into your cookie recipe. Don’t use more than a tablespoon, because when it comes to molasses, a little goes a long way. Too much and your cookies could end up runny and way too sweet.
3 of our favorite 3-ingredient cookie recipes
These moist, scrumptious cookies taste delicious and are super easy to make. How easy? You can pull them together in minutes using just three common ingredients in each recipe.
Three-ingredient peanut butter cookies
This recipe is fast and easy and the cookies come out incredible. Not only do they make a simple and fast sweet treat for you, but this is the perfect starter recipe for kids just learning to bake.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
Combine ingredients, mix until smooth, and drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes (don’t over-bake; these cookies are better when soft and just barely brown at the bottom).
Three-ingredient easy sugar cookies
Quick and easy sugar cookies made with only three pantry ingredients and no egg! So simple and foolproof, you can whip up this sugar cookie recipe any time. Sweet, buttery, and so delicious!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
If you’d like, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla and some rainbow sprinkles for the top.
Three-ingredient oatmeal cookies
Try these easy three-ingredient oatmeal cookies you can whip up in about 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s a simple, healthier cookie recipe that’s vegan, gluten-free, flourless, dairy-free, and has no added sweeteners.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe bananas
- Almond or peanut butter
- Rolled oats
Add your personal touch by adding one or more of the following: Chocolate chips, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, or sea salt.
Feel like something sweet? There isn’t an easier, tastier way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with a batch of home-baked cookies. Try one of these three-ingredient cookie recipes for a simple, last-minute treat that’s good to the last bite.
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