Baking cookies is both an art and a science. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you bake the perfect cookies every time.
1. Use Quality Ingredients
The foundation of great cookies starts with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh, high-grade butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Opt for organic and non-GMO ingredients when possible. High-quality chocolate and other mix-ins can make a significant difference in the final product.
2. Measure Accurately
Baking is a precise science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the best results. If you’re using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which can lead to dry cookies.
3. Chill the Dough
Chilling cookie dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a better texture. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This step is especially important for cut-out cookies and cookies with a high butter content.
4. Know Your Oven
Every oven is different, so it’s important to know how yours bakes. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the correct temperature. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on your cookies in the final minutes to avoid overbaking.
5. Let Cookies Cool Properly
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and finish baking from the residual heat. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
Bonus Tip: Store Cookies Properly
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze cookie dough or baked cookies for later. For more detailed storage tips, check out our How to Store Cookies article.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect cookies every time. Happy baking!