question about a recipe: Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies may i hand mix if i don't have a mixer?

I have a question about step 2 on the recipe "Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies" from merrill. It says:

"In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the butter and two sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl once. Add the flour and spices in three additions, beating until just combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Do not overbeat!"