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If you need a simple, never-fails, baking go-to when the time calls for it, this Easy Cookies recipe is a surefire hit. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to get perfect, chewy and delicious cookies, every time. They’re ideal for kids’ baking fun!
Having a basic but foolproof cookie recipe up your sleeve is a must for either entertaining the kids who love to bake, for friends around treats, end of term gifts or any time you fancy.
I wanted to make sure this Easy Cookies recipe is going to tick all the boxes when it comes to basic store cupboard ingredients; a simple, low effort method to follow; perfectly cooked cookie dough; and chewy, delicious cookies at the end.
With just 6 ingredients and half an hour of effort (with a little freezing time in between, so make sure you have a little room in your freezer), you can then customise them with whatever filling you choose (Smarties, choc chips… the list is endless.)
You can use an electric mixer if you have one but you don’t have to – simply follow a few tips and tricks below to get simple but fun cookies, every time.
Why you’ll love this Easy Cookies recipe
⭐️ Super easy for introductory kids’ baking
⭐️ Foolproof, super simple ingredients and method
⭐️ Delicious and customisabled treats to share
The Perfect Kids’ Baking Choice
I have yet to come across a child who doesn’t like cookies, so what better recipe to use when getting them either into baking themselves or whipping up a treat for them?
Whether it’s the school holidays or a wet weekend, there’s nothing better than letting them get involved in the kitchen to stop boredom setting in for a while – and then they have delicious treats at the end of their cooking session as a bonus!
This recipe is so easy that, with a little help, even a 4-year-old could have a go.
The older they get, the less help they will need of course. But learning how to weigh ingredients, crack eggs, mix things together, choose their filling, and seeing the results is a great experience, no matter what age they are.
It’s also a pretty quick recipe so you hopefully won’t find the younger ones losing interest.
New skills give kids confidence, and this subtly involves maths, science (and a little bit of patience!)
Easy Cookie Recipe Ingredients
- Butter – Go for unsalted butter for this if you can. It will need leaving at room temperature before you begin baking
- Sugars – For this we’re using a little caster sugar AND soft light brown sugar for extra flavour
- Egg – Just one is needed. For reference, I always use free range medium eggs in my baking
- Flour – This needs to be plain flour, or all-purpose flour if you’re outside the UK
- Bicarbonate of soda – Make sure yours is in date! It helps to give a little rise to the cookies
- Your choice of filling – You can add whatever you like to the cookies, including chocolate chips, sprinkles, Smarties, M&Ms… load them with your favourite!
How to make Cookies
- Mix all of the ingredients, apart from your chosen fillings, and beat together. (You can use a mixer if you have one or do it by hand). Then gently stir in your toppings with a spoon.
- Shape the dough with clean hands into 12 small, round balls and place on a non-stick baking tray, leaving space between them (you may need 2 trays). Add extra toppings if you like.
- Now freeze the cookie dough balls on their tray for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until just golden at the edges, at 180C. Allow them to cool before removing the cookies for the tray.
TIP: Do NOT miss the freezing stage of the method. It helps to keep the neat, round shape of the cookies and stops them spreading too much!
Tip for shaping cookies
Once you have one lump of dough, try wetting your hands before separating the mixture. It will make it much easier.
Or, if you want to be really exact, use an ice cream scoop to measure each dollop of mixture.
❗️Don’t leave out the chilling time of 30 minutes in the freezer! It really helps to give them a better shape.
How to store homemade cookies
Store these in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge until all have been devoured. They should be good for up to a week.
These are also fine to freeze for another day if you like! Wait until they are fully cooled after baking and pop them into a freezer bag or sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost thoroughly and enjoy.
More easy cookie recipes…
Sweet Things
The BEST Oat Cookies
Sweet Things
Peanut Butter Cookies {Just 3 Ingredients!}
Breakfast
Breakfast Cookies
Sweet Things
Christmas Candy Cane Cookies {Easy Recipe}
FAQs
Your choice! Use whatever selection of chocolates your children fancy to fill the cookies – choosing is part of the fun! I find M&Ms, Smarties and chocolate chunks work really well.
You can also theme your cookies according to celebrations or time of the year. For example, Christmas, Easter or Halloween. The list is endless!
No you don’t NEED one, but if you have one it will make the job a little easier and quicker. But beating the traditional way is also absolutely fine.
This might be because your bicarbonate of soda is well out of date. It does tend to last a while in the cupboard but if it’s years old, it might now be useless.
This recipe makes 12 standard sized cookies.
Yes! Just make sure you use a dairy free alternative for the butter and any fillings you use.
Let me know how you got on and what you thought of these recipes. Please rate the recipe using the ⭐️ below.
Also I’d LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours with me, you can tag me on Instagram (@tamingtwins).
Easy Cookies {Foolproof Recipe!}
Ingredients
- 150 g Unsalted butter, At room temperature
- 75 g Caster sugar
- 75 g Soft light brown sugar
- 1 Egg
- 225 g Plain flour
- 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
- 125 g Chosen filling, See notes
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients, apart from your fillings, and beat together.
- Gently stir in your toppings with a spoon.
- Shape into 12 small, round balls on a non-stick baking sheet. Make sure you leave plenty of space between them. (Use 2 baking sheets if you have another one, or bake in 2 batches of 6).
- Add extra toppings if you like.
- Freeze the balls on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 180C.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until just golden at the edges.
- Allow to cool before you move the cookies from the tray.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Just made these, probably the best cookies I’ve ever made! So easy to make, can’t wait to make more!
Delicious and super easy for little ones to bake!
Super easy to make and taste delicious. A great recipe for the children to help with as well.
The kids loved these thanks
Mmmm these look amazing, the kids would love them! Adam has become star baker in our house at the moment, so I’ll leave him in charge of baking these with the kids! x