Cookie Baking Tips

When you're making cookies, there are many variables that can affect the finished product. From the tools, the ingredients, your oven, everything effects your cookies. Here are some tips to help you bake the best cookies possible:

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients in your recipes is one of the most important things you can do. Things like butter, milk, cream and eggs can easily go bad or just not taste as good as they did when they were fresh. Always use the freshest ingredients you possibly can. Use your nose and eyes to smell and see if there is mold or mildew, bugs or anything else that shouldn't be there. Dairy products aren't the only thing that can go bad, the dry ingredients and nuts can also go bad. Some nuts, like walnuts contain oils that are delicate and go rancid when not refrigerated. Always check your nuts to make sure they aren't rancid. You know they are rancid when they have a funny taste to them, often a sour-like taste.

Know Your Oven

Some ovens are new, some are old, some are convection ovens, so every oven may have a slightly different temperature and cooking time for your baked goods. Know your oven well, so you can adjust the time and temperature of your cookie recipes.

Use Tried and True Recipes

When you are making cookies for other people, or special occasions, don't experiment at that time, instead stick to tried and true recipes. When baking for yourself or just any old weekend, be free to experiment and try new cookie recipes.

Use Handy Tools

Everyone knows they need tools like spatulas, mixing bowls and cookie sheets, but there are other tools that can be used in cookie baking that may help you a lot, especially if you bake alot of cookies. Consider getting a cookie scoop (similar to an ice cream scoop) or a silicone baking mat. Each of these tools will be of great use to any baker.

Stay Cool!

Don't skimp on the cooling time for your cookies. If you place still warm cookies in a plastic bag or container, their texture and moisture may change, or the bag may even melt a little. Give your cookies plenty of time to cool, then place them in an airtight container.