How to Make Perfect Cookies Every Time

 

Burned Bottoms?

As we told you in our podcast about baking cookies, if you’ve ever burned the bottoms of your cookies when baking a number of batches, the baking sheets may be to blame. When you start with a too-hot surface, the cookies may burn. Let the baking sheets cool between batches; 2-3 minutes is usually long enough. Or you can line the baking sheets with parchment paper. When the cookies are done, simply lift them, still on the parchment, onto the cooling rack.

What to Do if Your Cookies Aren’t Brown Enough

If your cookies typically don’t brown enough, bake them on a higher rack in the oven. Other tricks you can try are substituting a tablespoon or two of corn syrup for the sugar, using egg for the liquid, and using unbleached or bread flour in the recipe.

Bring Out the Oatmeal Flavor in Oatmeal Cookies

Our favorite part of oatmeal cookies, is—naturally—the oatmeal! Boost oatmeal flavor by toasting it lightly before adding it to the batter. Simply sprinkle the oatmeal on a baking sheet and heat it in a 300° oven for about 10 minutes. The oats should turn a golden-brown.

Keep Cookie Dough from Sticking to the Spoon

Is your cookie dough sticking to everything? It’s easy to get a spoonful of cookie dough to drop onto your baking sheet if you first dip the spoon in milk.

The Easy Way to Dye Sugar Cookies

Dye your cookie dough, not your hands, by dropping food coloring into a bag with the dough. Knead a bit and roll around to even out the color. You can use right away or keep in the freezer. Either way, you’ll have fun, colorful cookies, and save lots of hand-cleaning time.

For the Best Edges on Cookie Shapes

To get a sharp edge on your shaped cookies, dip the cutter in flour or warm oil occasionally during the cutting.

Fixing Flat Cookies

Do your cookies come out thin and flat rather than thick and chewy? Sprinkle some flour on the baking sheet after you grease it but before you put the cookie dough down on top of it. The flour will keep your cookies from spreading out, which can be caused by the slickness of the greasy baking sheet.

How to Get Dough to Stop Sticking to the Rolling Pin

If you’re having trouble rolling out cookie dough, it may be too warm; cold dough will not stick to the rolling pin. Refrigerate it for 20 minutes for the best results.

How to Keep Cookie Dough Off Beaters

Making cookies? Spritz the beaters with a little vegetable oil or non-stick...

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