Preparing homemade cookies It's much more than following a recipe: it's reliving aromas from childhood, enjoying the process of mixing ingredients and, above all, creating unique moments with family or friends. Today, homemade cookies They've made a strong comeback, displacing passing fads and becoming a delicious and healthy alternative to processed options. Whether you're a sweet tooth or looking for healthier options, there are recipes for all tastes, from the most traditional to vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar versions.
In this article you will find a complete and exhaustive tour of the fascinating world of irresistible homemade cookiesWe've compiled and restructured all the secrets from the most prominent websites: from ingredient tips and simple techniques for achieving perfect textures, to an extensive recipe book divided by style, flavor, and dietary needs. We'll show you how to adapt each recipe to your taste and give you ideas for enjoying original, easy, and quick cookies, suitable for both beginners and baking enthusiasts. Plus, you'll find tips to personalize each recipe and turn your cookies into a hit.
Why make homemade cookies?
Homemade cookies They succeed for several reasons. The main one is the quality of the ingredients; by making them yourself, you can choose natural products, avoid additives, reduce sugars, or use whole-grain flours. Another highly valued aspect is the pleasure of customizing flavor and texture: You can add chocolate, nuts, spices or even fruit to achieve a result that is completely tailored to your needs.
Plus, cookie-making is a perfect activity to share with children. It's quick and easy to make, and the resulting sweet treats will keep for several days if stored in an airtight container.
Something to keep in mind is that Homemade cookies aren't just for sweet snacksThere are also delicious savory options, with less sugar or without flour, thus reasoning that this world is practically unfathomable for those who dare to experiment.
Previous tips to get perfect cookies
Before getting into the making of your cookies, it is important to follow a series of recommendations that will help you achieve that point of texture and flavor what differentiates a good homemade cookie from an industrial one.
- Choose quality ingredients: Using good butter, healthy oils, whole-grain flours, and fresh nuts makes all the difference.
- Respect the proportions: Measuring ingredients well is crucial, as small variations can result in cookies that are hard or too soft.
- Let the dough rest: Many recipes recommend letting the dough chill in the refrigerator, which helps to obtain more consistent and easier-to-handle cookies.
- Customize the recipes to your liking: Try adding lemon zest, cocoa, spices, jams, or different types of nuts.
- Control the baking: Every oven is different; keep an eye on the cookies and remove them when they're golden brown on the edges but soft in the center. They'll firm up as they cool.
Traditional cookies: butter, chocolate and much more
The most classic cookies never fail. Here we show you how to prepare the most popular variations, adapted so you can enjoy their full flavor even if you're short on time or need an option without certain ingredients.
Butter cookies: the base for a thousand combinations
The basic recipe for butter cookies It's the mother of all homemade baking. With it, you can make delicious cookies, perfect for decorating, filling, or simply savoring on their own. The key is in use good quality butter and do not overdo it with sugar, so the flavor will be thinner and the texture more delicate.
To customize them, you can add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, ground almonds, or even give the dough some fun shapes. There are variations such as Scottish shortbread, Danish pastries, or Breton biscuits, all featuring butter as the star. If you're looking for a quick version, try gluten- and egg-free butter biscuits: equally irresistible and much quicker to prepare.
Chocolate chip cookies: a classic for those with a sweet tooth
The chocolate cookies are, after butter, the most sought after. Cocoa can be part of the dough or added in pieces, and the result will always be an addictive sweet. simple recipe It consists of mixing butter, sugar, cocoa powder, flour and yeast, forming balls that are then baked and left to cool to achieve that crispy touch on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Among the favorite versions are the chocolate cracked cookies –with that striking cracked appearance– and the chocolate chip cookies or dipped in molten icing. If you're looking for something different, you can try the chocolate with ginger, Nutella cookies or multigrain cookies to add extra fiber.
The famous American cookies
The authentic ones American-style cookies They are characterized by their large size, their tender interior and the presence of Chocolate chipsThey're a perfect option for a generous snack and will please both children and adults.
In its most traditional version, the recipe includes butter, white and brown sugar, egg, flour, and three different types of chocolate, although it can be easily adapted to be gluten-free or even a healthier version by incorporating mashed banana, oats, or nuts.
Homemade cookies for all tastes and needs
The world of homemade cookies It adapts perfectly to any palate and circumstance. Here are recipes and variations so you don't give up the pleasure of a sweet bite, whatever your taste. preference or nutritional need.
Oatmeal cookies: healthy, filling, and versatile
La oats It is one of the most popular ingredients when looking to make healthy cookies. You can mix oatmeal with banana Crushed for a vegan and sugar-free version, add raisins, walnuts, shredded coconut, or even mix it with whole wheat flour for a firmer texture. There are sponge-like, crispy, or even savory shortbread-style recipes, ideal for a unique snack.
Don't limit yourself to classic combinations: oatmeal goes great with apple, cinnamon, orange, chocolate chips, or even seeds like chia or flax for extra fiber. Remember, if you need a gluten-free option, you can look for certified oat flakes and combine them with chickpea, rice, or buckwheat flour.
Gingerbread and spice cookies: unmistakable aroma and flavor
If there are cookies that announce the arrival of winter and Christmas, those are the ones ginger. Although traditionally associated with Christmas figures, you can enjoy this scent at any time of year. Use ground ginger, cinnamon, honey, or molasses to create a warm flavor and a golden color that will make your kitchen smell like a party and home.
Want to innovate? Try combinations of ginger and turmeric, or add a touch of nutmeg and cloves. Candied ginger pieces also add an extra touch of texture y flavor.
Gluten-free cookies: flavor and texture for everyone
Many people think that the gluten free cookies cannot compete in flavor with the traditional ones, but the reality is that there are alternatives that are just as delicious and much healthier if you choose the flours well. Try the buckwheat flour, brown rice or almond. You can make from double cocoa chocolate cookies to rice cookies or cookies filled with jam for a juicy touch.
Cookies without butter: light and healthier
If you want to reduce saturated fats or don't have butter at home, there are ways to prepare Delicious cookies using olive, coconut, or avocado oilYou can even use fruit purees, such as banana or pumpkin, to provide juiciness and a natural sweetness. The tahini and honey cookies, or lemon and olive oil, are irresistible options and perfect for those looking for a different touch.
Vegan and sugar-free cookies
Dietary restrictions are no excuse not to enjoy some good cookies. You can do without eggs and butter by using plant-based alternatives such as applesauce or chia seeds mixed with water. To sweeten, use agave syrup, dates, honey, or even fruit purees. A good option is to prepare oatmeal cookies with banana, apricot and amaranth cookies, or almond flour cookies if you are looking for low-carb recipes.
Irresistible recipes to experiment with at home
We offer a selection of the most attractive and acclaimed cookies for you to prepare at home, with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.
Chocolate cracked cookies
These cookies, known for their crumbly appearance on the surface, are soft inside and reminiscent of a BrowniePerfect for those with a sweet tooth and a great way to show off at any snack time, although they do require a little time to rest the dough in the refrigerator before shaping them and rolling them in powdered sugar.
Linzer Cookies
Direct from Austria, the linzer cookies They're the smaller version of the famous Linzer Torte. Their dough is made with butter and almonds, and they're filled with any jam you like and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They're ideal for surprising special occasions, although they require a little more preparation and resting time to achieve that irresistible soft texture and juicy filling.
Homemade Prince Cookies
Who doesn't remember the Prince cookies from their childhood? With this recipe, you can make them at home, avoiding preservatives and colorings. These cookies feature a dough made with flour, almonds, butter, and homemade chocolate cream, perfect for filling and enjoying with the little ones.
Quick cookies with lacasitos or chocolate chips
An ideal option for cooking with children or when you're short on time. The base is simple: butter, sugar, egg, flour, and, as a finishing touch, sprinkles of marshmallows or chocolate chips to decorate before baking. They're very easy, quick, and always a hit.
White chocolate and pistachio cookies
If you like different combinations, try mixing white chocolate and pistachios in the dough. You only need to let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour before baking, and the result is different cookies, crispy and they can be kept for several days in a tightly sealed can.
Philadelphia cheese and vanilla spirals
To surprise the family, you can make rolled dough cookies with cream cheese and vanilla, cut into slices and rolled in sugar before baking. They are perfect for snacks and have a juiciness special thanks to the cheese.
Almond pastes
With just three ingredients—ground almonds, sugar, and egg yolk—you can make almond pastries that are perfect for accompanying coffee. The key is in the shape: small, slightly flattened balls, optionally decorated with almond flakes, and baked until golden.
Salty and flourless crackers
The universe of pretzels It's as varied as the sweet ones. You can make them with chickpea flour and spices, or even skip the flour altogether and use crushed nuts, egg, coconut, and a touch of lemon for a lighter version.
Tips for personalizing and preserving your cookies
One of the greatest joys of making cookies at home is the ability to customize them to your tastes. Here are some foolproof tips:
- Add ingredients to taste: chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, seeds, citrus zest, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom or pepper.
- Shape with cookie cutters: specially in butter cookies, to give a more attractive and personalized appearance.
- Bathrooms and covers: You can dip some cookies in melted chocolate or give them a touch of glaze with powdered sugar and a few drops of lemon.
- Better storage: Use airtight jars or cans to keep them crisp for several days. If they have fillings, store them separately so they don't soften.
Common errors and how to fix them
Making homemade cookies is simple, but there are some common mistakes you can avoid:
- sticky dough: If the dough doesn't work well, add a little more flour until it stops sticking. Chill the dough for at least half an hour to make it more manageable.
- Cookies that are too flat: This is usually due to too much butter or not enough chill in the dough. Make sure you respect the resting times.
- Hard biscuits: If they're too dry, they may have been baked too long. Remove them when the edges are golden brown, even if the center seems tender.
- Too strong flavor (sugar, butter, spices): adjust the proportions and remember that you can always add, but not subtract.
Adaptable basic recipes and how to create your own variations
Many experts agree that having a basic cookie recipe It allows you to make a thousand variations with small changes. The starting point can be a dough made with whole wheat flour, butter or oil, sugar or sweetener to taste, yeast, and a touch of salt. From there, you can divide the dough in two and add different ingredients to each part, create rolls to cut and bake, or make snail-shaped ones with a jam or nut filling.
Some ideas for variations based on additional ingredients:
- Dried nuts and cherries with beetroot juice for color.
- Dried apricots with puffed amaranth for a light texture.
- Chopped chocolate and cayenne pepper for a spicy touch.
- Poppy seeds and plum jam for an original flavor.
- Candied ginger and turmeric for extra health and flavor.
- Chopped apple, oat flakes, and cinnamon for breakfast cookies.
Are homemade cookies healthy?
One of the current concerns is whether Cookies can be part of a balanced dietAlthough traditional ones are usually a source of sugar and fat, when you make them at home, you have complete control: you can reduce the sugar, opt for whole-grain flours, add seeds, use healthy oils, and even omit any ingredients you don't like.
Options with fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains They are much more nutritious and filling than most store-bought cookies, so you can indulge occasionally without feeling guilty.
Cookies for Special Occasions: Christmas and Beyond
During festive times, do homemade cookies It's almost a ritual. From gingerbread and spice cookies to filled Linzer cookies, snow cookies, and vegan and gluten-free versions, there are options for every type of celebration. It's an especially lovely tradition to share with children and create lasting memories in the kitchen.
Experiment with the homemade cookies It's simple, fun, and lets you enjoy unique bites tailored to any preference. Choose your favorite recipe based on the time and ingredients you have available, and be encouraged to try new combinations. You'll discover that the flavor and texture of some homemade cookies They are unmatched, both for everyday use and for special occasions.
