Hey there my friend. You are about to make the best vanilla cookies of your life. These cookies are soft in the middle, crisp on the edges, and full of real vanilla flavor. No weird additives, no artificial stuff—just pure, simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
And guess what? You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a little bit of patience while they bake. Let me show you how to make them.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack for cooling
Important Info
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe costs about $5, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 150 per cookie
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Pure Vanilla Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Unsalted butter | Margarine or coconut oil |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar or coconut sugar |
| Egg | ¼ cup applesauce or flax egg |
| Milk | Almond milk or oat milk |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Pour in the milk and mix until the dough comes together.
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- Use pure vanilla extract, not artificial vanilla flavoring. It makes a big difference.
- If your butter is too cold, microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften it slightly.
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- If you like a crispier cookie, bake them for an extra 2 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
What to Serve with Pure Vanilla Cookies
These cookies go well with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A simple plate is perfect, but if you want to make them look fancy, stack them up and dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A cookie jar also makes them easy to grab and enjoy.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are perfect for tea time, lunchbox treats, and after-dinner snacks. They are also great for parties, baby showers, and bake sales because they stay fresh and taste amazing.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration
- If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 10 days.
Freezing
- To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with ¼ cup of applesauce or a flax egg. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste great.
Why are my cookies too hard?
If your cookies turned out too hard, you may have overbaked them. Try reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Also, make sure you measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe. Just make sure to mix everything well so all the cookies bake evenly.
What kind of vanilla extract should I use?
Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla flavoring won’t give you the same rich taste.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can add ½ cup of chocolate chips if you want a little extra sweetness.
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