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This is a lot of code to add 1 to a variable:


double newCookieAmount2 = 3.0;
newCookieAmount2 = johnCookieCount + 1;
johnCookieCount = newCookieAmount2;

vs

johnCookieCount++; ...

That's very basic programming: Create a panel and add the buttons to the panel and add the panel to the frame.
Same for a text area. Add it to a panel that is showing in the frame.

One problem...

Please format your posted code correctly with proper indentations. It should not all start in the first column.

Can you explain the problems you are having?
Have you seen this:
How to Write an Action Listener (The Java™ Tutorials > Creating a GUI With JFC/Swing > Writing Event Listeners)