Ingredients
Baking cookies from scratch requires a few simple ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and any other additional ingredients you’d like to add. Depending on the type of cookie you want to make, you may also need baking soda, baking powder, or other leavening agents. Make sure to read the recipe thoroughly so you know what ingredients you need.
Mixing the Dough
Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time to mix the dough. Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs and any other additional ingredients, like vanilla extract or food coloring. Finally, add the flour and mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix the dough or it will become tough.
Chill the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, it’s important to chill it in the refrigerator. This will give it time to set and will help the cookies retain their shape when they bake. Place the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight.
Preheat the Oven
Before you start baking your cookies, make sure to preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t burn.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
After the dough has been chilled, it’s time to roll it out and cut it into shapes. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out the desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the dough gets too warm, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.
Baking the Cookies
Once the cookies are on the baking sheet, place them in the oven and bake for the amount of time specified in the recipe. Every oven is different, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Once they are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Decorating the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with icing or sprinkles. Use a piping bag or a spoon to spread the icing over the cookies, and then top them with sprinkles or any other type of decoration.
Storage
Once the cookies are decorated, let them sit for a few hours to allow the icing to set. Then store them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. The cookies should stay fresh for up to a week.
Conclusion
Baking cookies from scratch is a great way to enjoy a homemade treat without the hassle of store-bought cookie dough. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can make delicious and unique cookies for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get baking!