Cookies are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in endless ways. With just one basic biscuit recipe, you can create a variety of delicious cookies by adding different ingredients.
Whether you prefer the richness of chocolate, the crunch of pretzels, or the nutty flavor of peanut butter, these variations will elevate your cookie game to the next level.
Here's how to make four exciting cookie variations from one simple dough.
Basic Cookie Dough Recipe
The key to making these next-level cookies lies in a versatile base dough. You'll need the following ingredients to start:
120g softened butter
75g light brown sugar
75g golden caster sugar
1 medium egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
180g plain flour
Crazy Cookie Dough: One Cookie Recipe with Endless Variations!
Video by Bigger Bolder Baking with Gemma Stafford
Steps
Start by placing the softened butter in a large bowl. Add the light brown sugar and golden caster sugar, then beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential to achieving the right texture for your cookies. Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the egg and mix until smooth. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, bicarbonate of soda, and plain flour. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Now that you have your base dough, it's time to get creative. Choose from one of these four delicious cookie variations, each adding its own unique twist.
Cookie Variations
1. Triple Chocolate Cookies
For those who love a rich, chocolatey treat, this variation is for you. Simply fold the following ingredients into your base dough:
50g dark chocolate chunks
50g milk chocolate chunks
50g white chocolate chunks
The combination of three types of chocolate creates a rich, indulgent flavor that any chocolate lover will appreciate.
2. White Chocolate & Pretzel Cookies
If you prefer a sweet-and-salty combination, this variation is perfect. Add the following to your dough:
100g white chocolate chunks
50g pretzels, broken into pieces
A pinch of sea salt
The crunchy pretzels add a wonderful texture, while the sea salt enhances the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Peanut Butter & Jammy Dodger Cookies
For a nostalgic and nutty flavor, try this peanut butter and jammy dodger version. Stir in:
2 tbsp peanut butter
40g chopped peanuts
60g mini jammy dodgers, chopped
The peanut butter and peanuts create a rich, nutty taste, while the jammy dodgers bring a fruity sweetness to the mix.
4. Chocolate & Pumpkin Seed Cookies
If you want a cookie with a little more texture and an added crunch, this is a great option. Mix in:
3 tbsp cocoa powder
150g dark chocolate chunks
50g toasted pumpkin seeds
The combination of dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds adds a rich, earthy flavor with a delightful crunch.
Baking the Cookies
Once you've chosen your flavoring and mixed it into the dough, it's time to bake. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Using a heaped teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between the cookies to allow them to spread as they bake. Bake the cookies for around 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and ensures they maintain their shape.
These next-level cookies are a fun way to get creative in the kitchen and indulge your sweet tooth. With just one basic dough recipe, you can easily customize your cookies with different flavors and textures. Whether you go for the classic triple chocolate, a crunchy sweet-and-salty combo, or a peanut butter twist, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
