What are cookies made of?

Cookies are made from a variety of ingredients, but the basic components are:

Dry Ingredients:

* Flour: Provides structure and texture.

* Sugar: Sweetness and helps with browning.

* Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.

* Baking soda/baking powder: Leavening agents that make cookies rise.

* Spices: Optional, add flavor and aroma (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.)

Wet Ingredients:

* Butter/Shortening: Adds richness, tenderness, and flavor.

* Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add moisture, and help with browning.

* Milk/Water: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

Other Ingredients:

* Chocolate chips/nuts/dried fruit: Add flavor and texture.

* Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.

Variations:

The specific ingredients and proportions used can vary widely depending on the type of cookie being made. For example, peanut butter cookies use peanut butter instead of butter, oatmeal cookies use oats, and sugar cookies often use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

* The type of flour used can affect the texture of the cookie. For example, all-purpose flour is the most common, but cake flour or bread flour can be used for different results.

* The ratio of butter to flour can also impact texture. More butter will result in a softer, more tender cookie.

* The temperature of the ingredients can also affect the outcome. Cold butter will result in a chewier cookie, while warm butter will result in a softer cookie.

Overall, cookies are a versatile treat that can be customized to your liking. By experimenting with different ingredients and proportions, you can create a wide variety of delicious cookies.