Ingredients
- flour: 1 cup - all-purpose, spooned and leveled
- brown sugar: 3/4 cup - packed
- butter: 1/2 cup - softened
- vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon - pure
- egg: 1 large - room temperature
- baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Tip: Always preheat your oven for at least 10 minutes before baking for consistent results.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Tip: Be sure the butter is truly softened to prevent clumping and ensure smooth mixing.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Tip: Crack the egg into a separate bowl first to prevent shell pieces from getting into your dough.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Tip: Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies remain tender and not tough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Tip: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: Cooling on the sheet helps the cookies firm up and develop flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Chill dough if cookies spread too much during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
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