Add Anything Drop Cookies
Add Anything Drop Cookies is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Sohla and Ham on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $31.00 total, $5.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 115 g Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
- 150 g Granulated Sugar
- 107 g Light Brown Sugar
- 1.25 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda (leveled)
- 0.5 tsp Baking Powder (leveled)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature, about 55 g)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure or imitation)
- 200 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 100 g Add‑In Mix‑Ins (optional) (chopped pretzels, chocolate chips, candy, dried fruit, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it fully preheat before baking.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line the rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If the parchment curls, lightly oil the corners to flatten.
Time: PT2M
Weigh Butter
Place the empty bowl on the scale, tare to zero, then add melted butter until the display reads 115 g. Set aside to cool slightly.
Time: PT2M
Add Sugars
Zero the scale, add granulated sugar to 150 g, tare, then add light brown sugar to 107 g. Stir briefly to combine with butter.
Time: PT3M
Add Salt & Leaveners
Add 1¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp baking powder directly to the wet mixture. Stir until evenly dispersed.
Time: PT2M
Add Egg & Vanilla
Crack the large egg into a separate small bowl (to avoid shells), then pour into the mixture. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until just incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Optional Rest (Chewier Texture)
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 15‑30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This helps dissolve sugar and improves chewiness.
Time: PT20M
Add Flour
Zero the scale, add all‑purpose flour to 200 g. Stir gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT3M
Fold in Mix‑Ins (if using)
If using optional mix‑ins, gently fold them in now, ensuring even distribution without crushing them.
Time: PT2M
Portion Cookies
Using a 2‑tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons, drop uniform mounds onto the parchment, spacing about 2 inches apart. Lightly pat each mound if you want a flatter cookie.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the sheet in the middle rack and bake for 10‑12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers have set but are still soft.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool
Remove the sheet and let cookies sit for 2‑3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use same amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar (same weight)
- Instead of Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar (same weight)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (use 1 tsp)
- Instead of Baking Soda: Baking powder (use 1 tsp)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda (use 0.25 tsp)
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg substitute (¼ cup)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract (same amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour (same weight)
- Instead of Add‑In Mix‑Ins (optional): Any favorite small‑piece snack
Equipment Needed
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Mixing Bowl (large, preferably glass or stainless steel)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet (rimmed)
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Zeroing the scale before each ingredient
- Adding baking soda and powder with the wet ingredients and leveling them precisely
- Mixing just until flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies
- Preheating the oven fully before baking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment instead of a silicone mat for better heat transfer and browning.
- A kitchen scale eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent results each batch.
- If you like extra chew, let the dough rest 30 minutes before adding flour.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too thin
Chill the dough for 15‑20 minutes before scooping, or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Cookies are too cakey
Do not over‑mix after adding flour and ensure the butter is melted, not softened.
Uneven browning
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking and use a light-colored sheet for even heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Best kept at room temperature in a sealed tin for 2‑3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature briefly before scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Add Anything Drop Cookies in American cuisine?
Add Anything Drop Cookies reflect the American tradition of improvisational home baking, where pantry staples are turned into sweet treats. The concept of "drop" cookies dates back to early 20th‑century American cookbooks that emphasized quick, one‑bowl recipes for busy households. This particular recipe from the YouTube channel Sohla and Ham modernizes that legacy by encouraging creative mix‑ins.
What are the traditional regional variations of Add Anything Drop Cookies in American baking?
In the Northeast, similar drop cookies often incorporate oatmeal or dried fruit, while the South favors cornmeal or pecan add‑ins. West Coast versions might swap butter for coconut oil and add tropical flavors like pineapple. The Sohla and Ham version is intentionally neutral, letting any regional ingredient be tossed in.
What is the authentic traditional way Add Anything Drop Cookies are served in American households?
Traditionally, these cookies are served warm from the oven on a simple plate, sometimes with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are often presented in a casual, family‑style setting rather than on formal dessert platters. The YouTube channel Sohla and Ham suggests serving them straight from the baking sheet for maximum chewiness.
What occasions or celebrations are Add Anything Drop Cookies traditionally associated with in American culture?
Add Anything Drop Cookies are popular for informal gatherings such as game nights, potlucks, and backyard barbecues because they can be customized for each crowd. They also appear during holiday cookie swaps where participants showcase unique mix‑ins. Their ease makes them a go‑to treat for last‑minute celebrations.
How does Add Anything Drop Cookies fit into the broader American dessert tradition?
These cookies embody the American dessert ethos of convenience, abundance, and personalization. Like classic chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, they rely on a simple dough base but stand out by encouraging limitless variations, mirroring the diverse flavors of American cuisine. The recipe’s one‑bowl method aligns with the fast‑paced lifestyle of many U.S. home cooks.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Add Anything Drop Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking soda—are standard in American drop cookies. Acceptable substitutes include using melted coconut oil for dairy‑free diets, substituting brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor, or using sea salt instead of regular salt. The YouTube channel Sohla and Ham emphasizes weighing ingredients for consistency, but flexible swaps are encouraged.
What other American dishes pair well with Add Anything Drop Cookies?
Add Anything Drop Cookies pair nicely with classic American milkshakes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also complement a simple bowl of vanilla bean custard or a warm slice of apple pie for a dessert trio. The crunchy‑chewy texture balances well with creamy or fruity sides.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Add Anything Drop Cookies from the Sohla and Ham YouTube channel recipe?
Common mistakes include using softened butter instead of melted butter, which changes the cookie’s dense, chewy texture, and not weighing the ingredients, leading to inconsistent results. Over‑mixing the dough can develop too much gluten, making the cookies tough. Finally, baking at the wrong temperature or for too long will dry them out.
Why does this Add Anything Drop Cookies recipe use melted butter instead of softened butter, and how does that affect texture?
Melted butter coats the flour particles more thoroughly, creating a tighter crumb and a denser, chewier bite that is characteristic of the recipe. Softened butter would trap more air during creaming, resulting in a lighter, cake‑like cookie. The Sohla and Ham video highlights that melted butter also speeds up the one‑bowl process.
What does the YouTube channel Sohla and Ham specialize in, and how does its cooking philosophy influence the Add Anything Drop Cookies recipe?
The YouTube channel Sohla and Ham specializes in approachable, experimental home cooking with a focus on American comfort foods and inventive twists. Their philosophy emphasizes simplicity, precise measurement (often using a kitchen scale), and encouraging viewers to personalize recipes. This mindset is evident in the Add Anything Drop Cookies, which invite endless mix‑ins while keeping the base method straightforward.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
