Rachel Allen’s Basic Cookie Recipe

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Step 1

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/gas 3.

Step 2

2. Cream the butter in a large bowl or in a food mixer until soft and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

Step 3

3. Sift in the flour and bring the mixture together to form a firm dough.

Step 4

4. Using your hands, roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them slightly apart on a baking tray (no need to grease or line). Flatten them slightly with the back of a damp fork and bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and slightly firm on top.

Step 5

5. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Step 6

You can store the dough mixture in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, to ensure you’ll have freshly baked cookies for visitors when they arrive, store in the freezer. Cut into 2.5 inch slices and bake in pre-heated oven as you need them.