If you forgot to cream the butter and sugar in your cookie recipe, don't worry; there are still a few options you can try to salvage the dough and end up with tasty cookies:
Room Temperature Softening: If the butter is still somewhat soft, you can try to bring it to room temperature by leaving it out for a little while. Once softened, use a sturdy spatula or spoon to vigorously mix the softened butter with the sugar until well combined. It won't be as smooth as traditional creaming, but it should help distribute the sugar and butter more evenly in the dough.
Melted Butter Method: You can melt the butter (either on the stovetop or in the microwave) and let it cool slightly before adding the sugar. Mix the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Keep in mind that this method may result in a slightly different texture for the cookies, potentially making them flatter and chewier.
Hand Mixer or Food Processor: If you have a hand mixer or a food processor, you can try using one of these tools to beat the softened butter and sugar together. They can help incorporate air into the mixture and create a smoother texture, similar to traditional creaming.
Refrigeration: If the dough is still crumbly or not coming together well, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the butter to solidify slightly. This can make it easier to work with the dough and form cookies.
Add a Liquid Ingredient: If the dough is too dry and not holding together, you can try adding a small amount of liquid ingredient such as milk or beaten egg to help bind the dough. Add a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
Roll and Flatten: Alternatively, if none of the above options work, you can roll the dough into small balls and then flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand before baking. This will give you a different cookie texture, but it can still be delicious.
Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cookies may be slightly different from the original recipe, but with some experimentation, you can still end up with enjoyable cookies. Just remember to adjust any additional ingredients as needed, and most importantly, have fun baking!