Basic Refrigerator Cookie Dough

If you’re in the mood for some baking but short on time, having a batch of basic refrigerator cookie dough on hand can be a lifesaver. This versatile dough is super easy to whip up and can be used to make a variety of delicious cookies whenever you feel like treating yourself or surprising guests with a freshly baked batch. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of chilling time, you’ll have a convenient dough ready to go whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup 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

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture, so make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier blending.

2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and create a rich, moist cookie dough.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the dough. You can also customize the taste by adding other extracts like almond or citrus for a unique twist.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

5. Once the cookie dough comes together, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a log shape and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling the dough in log form makes it easier to slice and bake later on.

6. Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days if you want to bake the cookies later. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dough to firm up for easy slicing.

7. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures may vary, and you want to avoid overbaking for soft and chewy cookies.

9. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy treat.

Basic refrigerator cookie dough is a fantastic staple to have in your kitchen, ready to be transformed into chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, or whatever flavor strikes your fancy. Having this convenient dough on hand means you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time and impress your loved ones with homemade treats. So, whip up a batch of this basic refrigerator cookie dough today and enjoy the convenience and delight of freshly baked cookies whenever you desire.