One Cup of Everything Cookies: The Ultimate Customizable Treat
Are you tired of complicated cookie recipes with a million different ingredients and precise measurements? Do you crave a delicious, homemade cookie without the fuss? Look no further than the “One Cup of Everything” cookie! This recipe is incredibly simple, endlessly adaptable, and yields a batch of chewy, flavorful cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.
What makes these cookies so special? It’s the concept: one cup each of butter, sugar, and flour. From there, the possibilities are endless! You can customize the flavors and textures to your liking, making each batch unique and exciting. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ingredients, experimenting with new flavor combinations, and creating a truly personal cookie experience. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
* **Simple and Easy:** The basic recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort.
* **Customizable:** The possibilities for variations are endless. Use your favorite ingredients and create your own signature cookie.
* **Uses Up Leftovers:** Have a little bit of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit lying around? This recipe is the perfect way to use them up.
* **Great for Baking with Kids:** The simple steps and forgiving nature of the recipe make it ideal for involving children in the baking process.
* **Delicious and Satisfying:** The cookies are chewy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
The Basic “One Cup of Everything” Cookie Recipe
This is the foundation upon which you’ll build your cookie masterpieces. Once you master this basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations and add-ins.
**Yields:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup of your favorite add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowl
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Cookie scoop (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. **Cream the butter and sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. **Add the eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. **Combine the dry ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. **Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies hard.
6. **Stir in the add-ins:** Stir in your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or candies. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
7. **Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets:** Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread out as they bake.
8. **Bake for 10-12 minutes:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
9. **Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
10. **Enjoy!** These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect “One Cup of Everything” Cookies
* **Use softened butter:** Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. Softened butter will cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Use a cookie scoop:** A cookie scoop will help you create uniform cookies that bake evenly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets:** Leave enough space between the cookies on the baking sheets so they can spread out as they bake.
* **Bake until the edges are golden brown:** The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry cookies.
* **Let the cookies cool completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
“One Cup of Everything” Cookie Variations: Unleash Your Creativity!
This is where the fun begins! Now that you have the basic recipe down, it’s time to experiment with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
**Chocolate Chip Cookies:**
* Add 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or a combination).
* For extra chocolate flavor, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
* Try using different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
**Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:**
* Replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of rolled oats.
* Add 1 cup of raisins.
* Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
**Peanut Butter Cookies:**
* Replace 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
* Add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts.
* For a chocolate peanut butter twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
**Snickerdoodle Cookies:**
* Omit the add-ins.
* In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
* Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
**Double Chocolate Cookies:**
* Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
* Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet).
* For an extra touch of decadence, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
**Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies:**
* Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
* Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips.
* A touch of orange zest can elevate this cookie to another level.
**Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies:**
* Omit the vanilla extract and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
* Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients.
* Consider adding a lemon glaze after baking for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
**Spiced Cookies:**
* Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
* Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds).
* Molasses can be added to the wet ingredients for a richer flavor.
**S’mores Cookies:**
* Add 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers to the dry ingredients.
* Add 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
* Broil the cookies for the last minute of baking to toast the marshmallows (watch carefully to avoid burning!).
**Monster Cookies:**
* Replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of rolled oats.
* Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
* Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of M&Ms, and 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts.
**Other Add-In Ideas:**
* **Nuts:** Walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, pistachios
* **Dried Fruit:** Raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries
* **Candies:** M&Ms, sprinkles, toffee bits
* **Extracts:** Almond extract, peppermint extract, orange extract
* **Spices:** Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves
* **Coffee:** Instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients. The possibilities are truly endless!
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Problems
Even with a simple recipe like this, you might encounter a few common cookie problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
* **Cookies are too flat:** This can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter, not creaming the butter and sugar properly, or using too much sugar. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and cream it with the sugar until light and fluffy. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
* **Cookies are too thick:** This can be caused by using too much flour or overmixing the dough. Measure your flour accurately and mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Cookies are too dry:** This can be caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, but not overbaked. Measure your flour accurately.
* **Cookies are too hard:** This can be caused by overmixing the dough or using too much sugar. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. You can also try adding a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to the dough.
* **Cookies are spreading too much:** This can be caused by using melted butter or not chilling the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
* **Cookies are sticking to the baking sheet:** Make sure you’re using parchment paper or silicone baking mats to line your baking sheets. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
## Storage Instructions
To keep your “One Cup of Everything” cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly. Here are a few tips:
* **Airtight Container:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
* **Layering:** If you’re stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
* **Freezing Dough:** You can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls for a few minutes and bake as directed.
## Final Thoughts
The “One Cup of Everything” cookie recipe is a true kitchen staple. It’s simple, versatile, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for creating delicious, homemade cookies that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and start baking! Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and create your own signature “One Cup of Everything” cookies. Happy baking!