Instructions

1. Equip the stand mixer with a standard beater or a flat beater. Cookie dough is usually a medium-to-heavy dough and should not be mixed with either a whisk attachment or a dough hook.

2. Add the sugar and butter or shortening to the bowl of the mixer, according to your recipe.

3. Set the stand mixer to a medium speed. If your stand mixer has two speeds designated as medium, choose the slower one. Mix until the sugar and butter have been creamed together. Reduce the speed to low.

4. Add the remaining liquid ingredients, including eggs, to the mixer by pouring them in as close to the edge of the bowl as possible. Avoid pouring any of the ingredients directly into the beater.

5. Increase the speed of the mixer back to medium when all of the liquid ingredients have been blended together. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl to allow the mixer time to incorporate these ingredients into the batter.

6. Add any nuts, fruits or chocolate chips during the last few seconds of mixing to avoid breaking them into small pieces.

7. Shape and bake the cookies.