Cookies Without Vanilla Extract
Did you know you can bake cookies without vanilla extract? Itmight sound unusual, but it works—and your cookies can still taste amazing! Ifyou don’t have vanilla at home or just want to try something different, here’show you can do it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins (Choose Your Favorite)
- 1 cup chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or driedcranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips,nuts, or dried fruits, if using. This step is optional but adds extra flavor!
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 to 1.5 table spoons per cookie) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Lightly press the tops if you prefer a flatter cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Avoid over baking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tips for the Best Cookies Without Vanilla Extract:
- Use high-quality butter, as it will provide a rich flavor that compensates for the absence of vanilla extract.
- Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness, so consider increasing it slightly for more flavor balance.
- Don’t skip the salt—it helps enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
- For a slight zing, you could add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a drop of almond extract as an alternative flavor.