What if you could make five completely different cookies from one simple dough? This basic cookie dough recipe is soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced for adding your favorite mix-ins.
It’s my go-to base recipe and the foundation for five delicious cookie variations you’ll find inside my One Dough, Five Cookies eBook.
This recipe is another delicious addition to my growing collection of Christmas cookies designed to help you bake up a memorable holiday season.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 10 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A soft, buttery basic cookie dough recipe that’s perfect for adding chocolate chips, candy pieces, or festive sprinkles.
Why you’ll love it: One dough makes endless cookie variations—easy to customize for any season or occasion.
How to make it: Cream butter and sugars, mix in eggs and vanilla, then blend in dry ingredients until smooth. Add your favorite mix-ins and bake until golden brown.
👉 Love easy holiday baking? Grab my One Dough, Five Delicious Cookies eBook filled with step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and five festive cookie recipes all made from one simple dough.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I love this Basic Cookie Dough Recipe and you will too!
- Five Delicious Cookies from One Dough
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- What to Do Next?
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- More Christmas Cookie Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why I love this Basic Cookie Dough Recipe and you will too!
I love using this basic cookie dough for Christmas baking because it keeps things simple during the busy holiday season.
The dough freezes beautifully, so I can prep it ahead and bake fresh cookies anytime. It's perfect for cookie exchanges, gifts, or last-minute treats.
Check out the FIVE different cookie recipes I made with my One Dough, Five Delicious Cookies eBook!
Five Delicious Cookies from One Dough
You can use this dough to create almost any cookie flavor you love—just mix in your favorite chips, candies, or sprinkles.
Or, if you’d rather skip the guesswork, my new One Dough, Five Cookies eBook includes five tried-and-true variations: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Kiss Thumbprint Cookies, Sprinkle Cookies, Chocolate Drizzle Cookies, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies.
Each recipe includes step-by-step directions, baking tips, and printable recipe cards so you can bake with confidence and ease.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.
Sugar: A mix of brown and granulated sugar adds richness, but you can use all granulated sugar for a crispier cookie.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture. Avoid using self-rising flour, which changes the structure.
Mix-ins: Add up to 1 cup total of chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, white chocolate chips and dried cranberries or candies to customize your cookies.
If you’d like to take this same dough and create festive cookies like:
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sprinkle Cookies
• Chocolate Kiss Cookies
• Chocolate Drizzle Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
—grab my One Dough, Five Delicious Cookies eBook for all five variations, complete with step-by-step photos and printable recipe cards.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring after each addition until the dough is well combined.
Step 3: Refrigerate the dough before scooping it onto the prepared baking sheet.
What to Do Next?
Once the dough is fully mixed, you have two options!
- You can scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for a simple, buttery cookie everyone will love.
Or, if you’d like to turn this same dough into five festive variations, check out my One Dough, Five Delicious Cookies eBook for all the recipes and step-by-step photos, including:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sprinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Kiss Cookies
- Chocolate Drizzle Cookies
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing—it helps create a smooth, creamy dough that blends evenly.
❌ DO NOT skip chilling the dough before baking or your cookies may spread too much and lose their soft, chewy texture.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store cookie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
Freezer: Freeze shaped dough balls or dough logs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw and Reheat: Bake frozen dough balls straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. For dough logs, let sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before slicing and baking.
Serving Tips: Sprinkle baked cookies with a little sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.
More Christmas Cookie Recipes You'll Love!
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
❤️Tap the heart icon in the lower right corner to add the recipe to your recipe box for easy access anytime.
If you made it, leaving a star rating or quick review is always appreciated and helps other readers too.
Want to save this printed recipe? The Ultimate Meal Planner & Recipe Binder helps you keep recipes organized in one easy place.
📖 Recipe Card
Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sprinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Kiss Cookies
- Chocolate Drizzle Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
This dough isn’t ideal for cut-out cookies. It’s a soft, buttery dough meant for drop cookies, so it won’t hold its shape when rolled and cut. If you’re looking for a dough that works well for shaped cookies, try a classic sugar cookie dough instead.
Yes, this dough can work well for chocolate chip cookie bars. Press it evenly into a baking pan and adjust the baking time until the center is set. However, some of the other variations in the eBook are better suited for individual cookies, so results may vary if baked as bars.
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Use a large mixing bowl to ensure everything combines evenly, and chill the dough before baking to help the cookies hold their shape. You can also freeze half the dough to bake later for fresh cookies anytime.
Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
Ask AI to answer based on this specific recipe.
Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw dough or eggs.
- Avoid leaving baked goods or raw dough at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave the oven unattended while baking.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove when using an oven or gas stove to maintain a safe cooking environment.
Comments
No Comments