Base Cookie Dough for Mix-Ins, Add Anything Cookies

If you’ve ever wondered which cookies to make, or how to please everyone with one batch of dough, this base cookie dough for mix-ins solves that problem in the simplest way possible. This recipe is more than 50 years old, and we have always called it Add Anything Cookies. One reliable cookie dough can be divided and turned into several different cookie flavors in one baking session.

This easy method works especially well for school lunches and family baking. You mix up one batch of base cookie dough, separate it into portions, and then add different mix-ins to each bowl. Chocolate chips, peanut butter, raisins, butterscotch chips, pretzels, sea salt caramel, and more all start from the same base.

The result is a tray of mixed cookies where everyone gets their favorite, without the extra work of making multiple doughs. It’s a practical way to bake for families, picky eaters, and busy weeks.

Most classic drop cookies begin with the same basic ingredients, with flavor added at the end. This base cookie dough recipe is intentionally large and makes about four dozen generously sized cookies, divided into four different flavors. You can easily halve the recipe to make two flavors instead.

Why This Base Cookie Dough for Mix-Ins Works So Well

This base cookie dough works so well because most classic drop cookies start with the same basic ingredients. The flavor is usually added at the end, which makes it easy to customize one batch of dough instead of mixing several separate recipes.

By starting with this reliable, time-tested base cookie dough, you can divide it into portions and create different cookie flavors using simple mix-ins. This method saves time, reduces dishes, and makes it easy to bake a variety of cookies in one session.

It’s an especially practical approach for family baking, school lunches, and situations where everyone prefers something a little different.

Base Cookie Dough Recipe

Start by mixing one large batch of base cookie dough. This simple dough is designed to be divided into portions, with different flavors added at the end. The ingredient list below makes a generous batch that can be turned into multiple cookie varieties.

How to Make Base Cookie Dough for Mix-Ins

Step 1: Mix the Base Cookie Dough

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully combined.

Beat the base cookie dough for 3 to 5 minutes total, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well blended.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

At this point, the base cookie dough is finished and ready to be divided and flavored.

Step 3: Divide the Dough and Add Cookie Mix-Ins

Divide the base cookie dough into several portions, depending on how many flavors you want to make. You can eyeball the portions or use a kitchen scale if you want them evenly divided.

Place each portion of dough in a separate bowl and add your chosen mix-ins. Stir gently until the add-ins are evenly distributed.

This is where the recipe becomes flexible. You can make classic flavors like chocolate chip or raisin cookies, or try new combinations using whatever mix-ins you have on hand.

Once the dough is divided and flavored, all the cookie variations are baked the same way unless noted.

Cookie Mix-In Ideas for Add Anything Cookies

This basic cookie dough works with a wide variety of mix-ins. You can keep things classic or combine different add-ins based on what your family enjoys.

Some easy mix-in ideas include chocolate chips, peanut butter, coconut, pecans, peanuts, oatmeal, cranberries, almonds, Skor bits, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, pretzel bits, Rice Krispies, cornflakes, and other family favorites. Choose a combination of mix-ins, using about 1 to 1 1/2 cups for each quarter of the dough.

Choose a combination of mix-ins, using about 1 to 1 1/2 cups for each quarter of the dough.

Try combinations like chocolate chips with pretzels and Skor pieces, peanut butter with coconut and peanuts, chocolate chips with raisins and nuts, or caramel chips with crushed pretzels. You can mix and match based on what you have on hand.

Caramel Pretzel Cookie Variation

Regardless of which variety of mix-ins you choose, the steps are exactly the same. For this blog post, I made the caramel pretzel variation.

Start with 1/4 of the basic cookie dough and add 1/2 cup caramel chips and 1/2 cup crushed pretzels. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake the Cookies

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press the center of each cookie with a fork.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

How to Store and Freeze Add Anything Cookies

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the portioned unbaked cookie dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.

Why Add Anything Cookies Are Still a Favorite

The varieties are endless, and this recipe is meant to be flexible. It was especially helpful when I needed to bake for a crowd or put together school lunches on a budget. One big batch of dough and a few simple add-ins made it easy to create something everyone liked. That is exactly why this old Add Anything Cookies recipe is still so useful today.

For this tray, I made four variations: caramel pretzel cookies, chocolate chip raisin and walnut cookies, peanut butter coconut cookies, and peanut butter coconut cookies with whole peanuts. Mixing and matching flavors from one dough makes baking feel easier and a little more fun.

If you like having flexible recipes on hand, be sure to save this one. Pin this base cookie dough for mix-ins recipe so it’s easy to find when you want to bake a mix of cookies for lunches, holidays, or a busy week

More Cookie Recipes to Try

Want to make a no-bake cookie, or a smaller batch of cookies? Here are a few more old favorite cookie recipes I highly recommend.