Top 5 Secrets to Baking the Best Cookies
This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Top 5 Secrets to Baking the Best Cookies is my guide for you to make the best possible cookies. You’ll see a difference in the cookies you make using these tips.
Read and Follow the Recipe
My first tip is a no-brainer, but it needs to be noted. Most baking errors come from not reading and following a recipe correctly.
Always read through the entire recipe before starting. Make sure you have every ingredient ready, and stick to the instructions without making substitutions.
Baking is a science. Swapping one kind of chocolate chip for another won’t cause an issue, but changing key ingredients like
And don’t skip details. If the recipe says to chill the dough, chill it. Likewise, add the ingredients in the order given in the recipe. Cream the sugar and
Read the recipe, then follow the recipe.
Start with Quality Ingredients
Your recipe will only be as good as the ingredients. I’ve said it before in my How to Bake the Perfect Pound Cake article, but it is worth noting again. Use premium spices that are fresh. Use good-quality vanilla to avoid a chemical or artificial flavor. Use the best chocolate you can afford and brand-name, high-quality flour for the best-tasting cookies.
Use a Cookie Scoop
Having the right tools makes baking so much easier, and my favorite must-have tool is a cookie scoop.
A cookie scoop, or spring-release scoop, helps ensure all your cookies are the same size, meaning they bake evenly.
And they’re not just for cookies! Use a scoop for cupcake and muffin batter, shape meatballs, and serve ice cream.
|
|
|
|
$9.99
|
$13.60
|
$9.99
|
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone baking mats and parchment paper are musts in my kitchen. They’re perfect for cookies, candy, or anything you don’t want sticking to the pan, making clean-up a breeze!
Silpat silicone mats are probably the most popular brand, but they can be pricey. I’ve found other brands that are just as durable and cheaper. Silicone mats are reusable and can last for years. Be aware they are not cutting boards, so don’t use a knife on them, or you’ll slice through it.
If you prefer parchment paper, that works too! I prefer parchment sheets over the rolls just for convenience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chill the dough
Chilling cookie dough is one of the most important steps in making cookies. Allowing your cookie dough to rest in the fridge for at least 60 minutes will give you a better flavor, texture, and thicker cookie. Not chilling the dough will result in thin cookies.
Cooling Rack
Removing the cookies from the sheet pan to a cooling rack is an important step in making cookies. When cookies sit too long on the hot pan, they’ll continue to cook.
Use this method to move the cookies: When you remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool for 2 minutes (time it) on the sheet pan. After two minutes, use a thin spatula to transfer the cookies from the sheet pan to a cooling rack.
Transferring the cookies to a wire rack also allows the cookie sheet or sheet pan to cool. You want it to be cool before adding the next batch of cookie dough to it. Adding chilled cookie dough to a hot pan will make them spread to quickly around the edges.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$6.77
|
|
Don’t overbake your cookies.
Every oven bakes differently. I recommend you calibrate your oven at least once a year to make sure it’s baking at the temperature that it reads. Read How to Calibrate your Oven.
The first time you bake a new cookie, check them before the timer goes off. Make note of the specific size, time, and temp that you cooked them. This way, the next time you make them, you’ll know precisely how to bake them.
If you’re new to baking, start with a simple recipe. Cake mix cookies (chocolate and lemon) are forgiving and hard to mess up. Drop cookies like these Cream Cheese Cookies are another easy cookie to make.
Store your cookies properly
Proper storage keeps holiday cookies fresh and flavorful for days or even weeks. Soft cookies, like snickerdoodles or hot chocolate cookies, should be stored in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their texture. Crispy cookies, like biscotti or gingersnaps, fare better in tins that help preserve their crunch.
Layer delicate cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking or breaking. If you plan to gift your cookies, try sturdy varieties like shortbread or spritz that hold up well in transit. If you don’t plan to eat them right away, freeze extras and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Now, get baking
Baking as a family is another meaningful way to enjoy the season. Even the youngest helpers can sprinkle sugar or decorate cookies with frosting. The memories made in the kitchen are often sweeter than the treats themselves. With these tips and techniques, you’ll create cookies that not only taste amazing but also bring warmth and happiness to everyone who enjoys them.