How to Make Vanilla Cookies

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 23, 2021

This tasty recipe is easy to whip together when you want something sweet. These standard vanilla cookies are a treat without all the trimmings of too many flavors.

This recipe yields about 3 dozen vanilla cookies.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:
Setting Up

1
Set up a work station. Clear some counter space and have all your kitchen utensils and cookware handy. Start with a clean workstation by wiping your area down with a cloth or towel.
2
Adjust the oven racks. For even baking, position the oven rack at the center of the oven and bake one sheet of cookies at a time.
- If baking two sheets, it is recommended that you space the racks so as to divide the oven into thirds, then rotate the cookie sheets top to bottom and back to front halfway through baking.^{[1]
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3
Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC. It will take several minutes for the oven to heat up, so save time by preheating it before you start mixing the cookie dough.
4
Line the cookie sheets. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper on the cookie sheets and set them off to the side. Lining the cookie sheets with wax paper will prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:
Making The Dough

1
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and butter. Cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- If the butter is firm, use the tines of a fork to press it down into the sugar.
- If the butter is cold or frozen, it won't mix properly. Thaw it to room temperature or heat it until softened.
2
Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This is recommended each time a new ingredient is added.
3
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. If you prefer cookies with a stronger vanilla taste, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the ingredients in the bowl for about 1 minute or until smooth.
4
Add the flour, salt, and baking powder one at a time. Mix in each ingredient individually before adding the next ingredient.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula in between adding each ingredient.
- Mix until the dough is a smooth, uniform texture.
5
Form the cookies. Use a large spoon to scoop balls of dough onto the cookie sheet.^{[2]
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Research source} You can also grab the cookie dough with your fingers and roll it into a ball shape between your hands.
- Clean your hands before handling the cookie dough.
- If you prefer not to get your hands dirty, use two spoons to handle the dough.
6
Place the balls of dough a few inches (centimeters) apart on the baking sheet. Your balls of dough will spread during baking. By placing the dough balls slightly apart, you won't have to worry about them spreading into each other.
- Place the balls of dough a few inches apart.
- Don't worry if the dough balls are slightly different in shape and size.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:
Baking The Cookies

1
Place the cookie sheet in the oven. Bake cookies for 10 minutes.
- It is recommended that you rotate the baking sheet front to back after five minutes.
- Always use a timer to avoid burning the cookies. To air on the side of safety, you can set a timer for 7 to 8 minutes, check the cookies visually, and adjust the cooking time as necessary.
2
Remove the cookies from the oven. Once the cookies are golden brown on the edges, let them cool. The baking sheet will continue to cook your cookies as long as it is still hot from the oven. This is fine.
- If preferred, use a spatula to gently lift the cookies into a cooling rack.
3
Enjoy your cookies. Fill a serving dish for a party or wrap the cookies individually to share with friends.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:
Adding Frosting

1
Add frosting. If you have a little extra time, you can create a creamy frosting to top the cookies. Assemble the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoon milk or water.
2
Mix the powered sugar and butter. In a medium sized bowl, mix the ingredients until evenly dispersed.
3
Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of milk or water at a time until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4
Frost the cookies as soon as they have cooled. It is recommended that you let the frosting sit to give it time to set.
- If you'd like, you can add sprinkles.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:
Making Variations On The Vanilla Cookie

1
Add an additional ingredient to make the flavor more complex. While there's nothing wrong with the classic vanilla cookie, you might enjoy trying something new.
- When mixing the dough, stir in some different flavors, such as: white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, nuts. Or, experiment with some of your favorite nuts, berries or sweet treats.
2
Create a different shape. If you like, you can roll the cookie dough out with a rolling pin and use cookie cutters to create desired shapes for your cookies. This can be especially fun for the kids, and will take their mind off these being merely "vanilla".

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?

Community Answer

NO! Those two substances are very different and will severely change the taste of your cookies!
Question

How long do they last?

Isolde

Top Answerer

These should last for up to 1 week, provided they are stored in an airtight container. If they are frosted or have syrup, they should be eaten within a few days of making.