Basic Cookie Dough Recipe

• 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) butter (or margarine) at room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the flour. Beat with an electric mixer, scraping the sides of the bowl several times, until the mixture is light and fluffy. With mixer at a low speed, add the flour gradually, beating just until everything is well blended.

Place the mixture on a baking sheet using a tablespoon measure and press down with a spoon to flatten a bit. Or roll our and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake at 350ºF for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden.

This basic cookie mixture is also the base for the following cookie recipes (all baked in a preheated oven at 350ºF).