1. The fridge absorbs the water molecules in the batter, so that's why it turns hard.
2. It depends what you're baking. When I baked cookies, 1 tray of 12 cookies take around 10 minutes. If you bake an 8-inch cake, that would be around 20-25 minutes. Oh yes, the oven should be in the temperature of 350 F (176.67 C).
3. Haha I don't know that one coz I ususally use all-purpose flour =P
4. Haha sorry I don't understand that question >.<"
To prevent the cookies turn hard:
1. Whenever you mix the batter (flour, butter, sugar, etc...), don't beat it with all of your strength and don't beat it for too long (if you mix it for too long, you'll see bubbles forming in the batter).
2. Don't bake them for longer than they need.
3. Once the baking is done, take it our from the oven immediately.