Homemade Cookies A Simple Family Favorite

These delicious 4-Ingredient Cookies are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated baking techniques to make something truly special. They are soft, buttery, sweet, and wonderfully satisfying, requiring only four basic ingredients.

Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• electric mixer or wooden spoon
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• wire rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy.
3. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tougher than desired.
5. Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between them. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a fork.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookies. The edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain pale.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them carefully to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter for a smoother dough. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling to avoid dry cookies. Do not overmix once flour is incorporated. Start checking cookies at the 10-minute mark. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.