The Easiest Homemade Cookies: Quick & Delicious Treats for Any Occasion (Your Go-To Simple Recipe!)

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when those cookies are incredibly easy to make, the experience is even sweeter! Imagine your kids arriving home from school, greeted by the warm scent of these delightful treats, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. For those moments when you crave something simple yet utterly satisfying, this easy-to-bake cookie recipe is an absolute lifesaver. It’s designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, especially beginners or busy parents looking for a quick win in the kitchen.

These aren’t just any cookies; they are precisely what you need when simplicity and deliciousness are the top priorities. With a straightforward ingredient list and an uncomplicated process, you’ll find yourself whipping up batch after batch. The secret lies in a crunchy sugar coating that adds an irresistible texture, complementing the soft, tender interior. Forget about overly complicated steps or exotic ingredients; this recipe brings pure, unadulterated cookie joy straight to your fingertips. Ready to dive into the world of stress-free baking? Hereby the recipe, along with plenty of tips and inspiration to make your cookie-baking journey a resounding success!

More Delicious Cookie Inspiration from ByAndreaJanssen

If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire beyond these fantastic easy cookies, we have a variety of other delightful cookie recipes that are equally satisfying. From rich, fudgy brownie cookies to classic French butter treats, there’s a cookie for every mood and occasion. Explore these other popular choices:

Why These Simple Cookies Are Your New Favorite

This recipe for easy-to-bake cookies is designed to simplify your baking process without compromising on taste. What makes them so special? It starts with readily available pantry staples: self-rising flour, which already includes a leavening agent, simplifying the dry ingredient mix; classic unsalted butter for rich flavor; and a hint of vanilla extract to elevate the taste. The addition of cane sugar for rolling gives these cookies their distinctive crunchy exterior, a delightful contrast to their soft, chewy centers.

The Magic of Self-Rising Flour

Using self-rising flour is a secret weapon for easy baking. It means you don’t need to measure out baking powder or baking soda separately, reducing steps and the chance of errors. This convenience makes these cookies truly “easy to bake,” allowing even novice bakers to achieve consistent results. Just mix, chill, slice, and bake – it’s that simple!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a sweet treat to pack in lunchboxes, or a delightful homemade gift, these easy cookies fit the bill. Their humble appearance belies a rich, buttery taste and satisfying texture that appeals to everyone. They are particularly ideal for after-school treats, holiday gatherings, or simply a quiet afternoon with a warm beverage. The versatility of these simple homemade cookies makes them a staple in any kitchen.

Tips for Baking Success with Your Easy Cookies

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips can ensure your easy-to-bake cookies turn out perfectly every single time:

1. Ingredient Temperature Matters

Ensure your butter is at room temperature – soft enough to cream easily but not melted. This allows it to incorporate properly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy base for your cookies. Your egg should also be at room temperature for better emulsification with the other ingredients.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher cookies instead of the desired tender texture. A gentle hand is key here!

3. Chilling the Dough is Crucial

The chilling steps are not optional for these cookies. Chilling the dough twice – first after mixing and then again after forming the roll – serves several important purposes. It firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven and prevents excessive spreading. It also allows the flavors to meld and the flour to fully hydrate, contributing to a better texture and taste. Don’t rush this step!

4. Oven Consistency and Placement

Always preheat your oven fully before placing the cookies inside. An oven thermometer can be a great tool to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Baking on a middle rack typically provides the most even heat distribution. Remember, if you’re using a convection oven (with a fan), reduce the temperature by about 30°F / 20°C as heat circulates more efficiently.

Customizing Your Easy-to-Bake Cookies

While these cookies are fantastic as-is, their simple base makes them a perfect canvas for customization:

• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) when you add the flour.
• Nutty Crunch: Add half a cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Grate in the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing twist.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add a wonderful warmth, especially around the holidays.
• Sprinkle Fun: Before baking, press some colorful sprinkles into the top of each cookie for a festive touch.

Storing Your Homemade Cookies

These easy homemade cookies store beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. For an even easier option, freeze the dough roll (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply slice from frozen and add a minute or two to the baking time.

📖 Recipe: Easy to Bake Cookies

RECIPE CARD

Easy to bake cookies

Andréa

These easy to bake cookies are truly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Topped with a delightful crunchy cane sugar coating, they offer a satisfying texture and a sweet, buttery flavor that makes them utterly irresistible. This recipe is your perfect companion for quick homemade treats.

5 of 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Cooling time 1 hour hr

Course Sweets and Sweet Baking

Cuisine Other

Servings 25 cookies

Calories 108 kcal

Equipment

• A conventional oven is recommended for this recipe. If you are using a convection oven (one with an air fan), please decrease the suggested temperature by 30 °F / 20 °C to prevent over-baking due to the increased heat circulation.
• Large Mixing Bowls (2)
• Electric Mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat (optional, for easier cleanup)
• Wire Cooling Rack

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Ingredients

• ▢ 200 grams self-rising flour (simplifies the recipe by including leavening agents)
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
• ▢ 1 egg, size L, beaten (preferably at room temperature for better mixing)
• ▢ 225 grams sugar (granulated sugar for the dough’s base sweetness)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor)
• ▢ 125 grams butter , unsalted and at room temperature for the dough + 1 tablespoon melted butter for greasing
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cane sugar (for the delightful crunchy coating)

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see, making it convenient for all bakers.

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

• ▢
  In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the self-rising flour and salt together. Set aside.
• ▢
  In a separate, second bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• ▢
  Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture, one spoonful at a time, continuing to beat until well combined and creamy.
• ▢
  Beat in the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Continue to mix for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, smooth, and well emulsified.
• ▢
  Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the dough in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to firm up and become less sticky.
• ▢
  After approximately fifteen minutes of chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. It should be solid enough to handle. Shape the dough into a uniform roll with a diameter of about 2 inches (5 cm).
• ▢
  Spread the cane sugar evenly over a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper. Roll the dough log through the cane sugar, ensuring the entire surface (except the very ends, if preferred) is coated evenly. This creates the signature crunchy exterior.
• ▢
  Wrap the sugared dough roll tightly in plastic wrap. Return it to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least half an hour. For best results and easier slicing, a full hour or even overnight chill is recommended.
• ▢
  Towards the end of the chilling period, preheat your oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). If using a convection oven, set it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
• ▢
  Lightly grease a baking sheet with the tablespoon of melted butter, or line it with parchment paper for non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
• ▢
  Remove the chilled dough roll from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the roll of dough into even slices, each about 5 mm (approximately ¼ inch) thick.
• ▢
  Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 4 inches (10 cm) apart to allow for spreading during baking. If you have excess dough slices that won’t fit on the current sheet, keep them in the fridge to prevent them from becoming too soft before baking the next batch.
• ▢
  Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
• ▢
  Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set and harden slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
• ▢
  If you have remaining dough, repeat the greasing of your baking sheet (or use fresh parchment paper) and continue slicing and baking until all the dough is used. Enjoy your wonderfully easy and delicious homemade cookies!

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 134IU

Keyword easy cookies, simple cookie to bake, homemade cookies, quick cookies, sugar cookies, beginner friendly

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