Once you get into the habit of properly softening your butter, you’re most of the way to baking great cookies. However, it is important to learn how to properly beat (or cream) butter and sugar. You can use an electric mixer or a spoon for most cookie recipes. Beat your sugar and butter until the mixture looks fluffy and light in color.
Then use a butter knife or metal spatula to level off the top. Sugar: Sugar does more than just add sweetness, sugar also helps your cookies brown and gives them a tender texture. To measure granulated (white) sugar, simply dip your measuring cup into the sugar and level off with a knife or other flat-edged utensil.
Flour: All-Purpose Gold Medal Flour is really the best for baking cookies. Measure correctly by spooning the flour into the measuring cup. Then use a butter knife or metal spatula to level off the top.