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Basic Cookie Dough Recipe

Basic Sugar Cookie Dough is great to have on hand whenever you get a cookie craving. Not only is it delicious on it’s own for regular sugar cookies, but it’s so versatile that you can add a ton of flavors and textures to make it your own.

basic cookie dough in a bowl with a beater

I don’t save my cookie cravings just for the holidays, they come all year round.

Because it’s so strong I like to keep cookie dough on hand all the time and bake them as the cravings hit.

Also, because if I had a few dozen cookies already baked, hanging out on my kitchen counter, I would not be able to resist.

Some days I am in the mood for a chocolate cookie, but other days I want one that is salty and sweet with toffee and nuts.

The great thing about having a plain vanilla dough is that you can transform it into any cookie you crave!

Whip up a few batches of this basic recipe and keep all your cravings satisfied when they hit! They will last for a few weeks in the refrigerator.

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labeled picture of sugar cookie dough ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Butter – Be sure to use unsalted butter at room temperature for best results.

Egg – Not everyone thinks about this but your large egg should be at room temperature too.

Flour – This recipe uses all purpose flour. I have not tested it with gluten free or other flour substitutes.

Pantry Staples – white granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt.

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First: In a medium bowl beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.

Second: Add the eggs, salt, and vanilla. Beat until well combined.

Third: Gradually add the flour in batches and mix until fully combined. Do not overmix.

Fourth: Wrap and chill until ready to use.

If you want to make sugar cookies, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes and bake at 350 degrees °F for 8-10 minutes.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

flour and butter in a bowl

Mix In Ideas

  • toffee bits
  • chocolate chips (mini, semisweet, dark, peanut butter, butterscotch, white)
  • nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, macadamia)
  • sprinkles
  • broken candy bars

Due to the classic recipe containing eggs this is not an edible dough recipe.

Cookies to make with it

shortbread cookie triangles with pecans

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Make sure the butter is not too soft. You should be able to slice through the butter with a knife and have the knife come out clean and the butter still have it’s shape. Let it sit at room temperature for roughly 20 minutes.
  • Make sure you whip the butter and sugar for at least 2 minutes to get it nice and fluffy and incorporate the sugar evenly.
  • Fold or incorporate the flour in batches so it doesn’t form clumps.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to keep the cookies from spreading.
  • Using brown sugar instead of granulated will make them richer in flavor and even more chewy.
  • If adding in mix-ins, I wouldn’t add more than 1 cup total volume. You might want to use a large bowl too.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

cookie dough in a bowl

Use this easy dough to make a classic sugar cookie recipe or as a base for your favorite cookie flavors!

cookie dough in a clear bowl

Basic Cookie Dough

Basic Sugar Cookie Dough is great to have on hand whenever you get a cookie craving.
4.50 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add the sugar and salt and beat until well combined.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined
  • Gradually add the flour in batches and beat slowly until well combined.
  • Chill until ready to bake.
  • To make basic sugar cookies, bake in a preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes.
  • Times may vary based on size, shape, and extra add-ins.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is not too soft. You should be able to slice through the butter with a knife and have the knife come out clean and the butter still have it’s shape. Let it sit at room temperature for roughly 20 minutes.
  • Make sure you whip the butter and sugar for at least 2 minutes to get it nice and fluffy and incorporate the sugar evenly.
  • Fold or incorporate the flour in batches so it doesn’t form clumps.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to keep the cookies from spreading.
  • Using brown sugar instead of granulated will make them richer in flavor and even more chewy.
  • If adding in mix-ins, I wouldn’t add more than 1 cup total volume. You might want to use a large bowl too.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 64mg | Sugar: 8g

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4 Comments

  1. Kathy Metlika says:

    This recipe is great for putting in fridge and take out whenever you have that craving for a warm cookie or 2 as a snack anytime!!! Love it!

  2. The dough turned out pretty well. I didn’t know what temparature to put the dough on to make cookies, so I ended up burning them (slightly). I dough itself contained a bit too much flour, so I ended up putting more vanilla and sugar. However, really good cookies when I ended up putting chocolate chips and icing, so thanks!!!

    1. The best is to cook them at 350F for 8-10 minutes. I added it in the body of the post but I must have forgotten to add it to the recipe card. Thanks! I am updating it now:)

  3. I just made this as cookie dough and YUM! There was a bit too much butter for my tastes, so I’d cut back on the butter, but overall super easy!

4.50 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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