Baking cookies is a breeze, right? Throw in some basic ingredients, mix them up in a bowl, and pop the dough in the oven. It’s as easy as that! Well, if you’ve ever ended up with burnt or undercooked cookies, you know it’s not always that simple. There are dozens of small mistakes that can cause your baking efforts to go awry. Read on to learn more about what not to do in the kitchen next time you whip up a batch of your favorite treats!
Common Cookie Baking Mistakes:
1. Cookies not baking evenly
There are a few things that can cause cookies to bake unevenly. One is using an old baking sheet. Baking sheets wear out over time and can start to warp, which will cause the cookies to bake unevenly. Another possibility is that the oven wasn’t preheated properly. If the oven isn’t preheated to the correct temperature, the cookies will start to bake too quickly on the outside while the inside stays doughy. Finally, another common mistake is not rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking. This ensures that all parts of the cookie get equal exposure to heat, resulting in more evenly baked cookies.
2. Overcrowding the pan
Overcrowding the pan is a major mistake people make while baking cookies. This results in the cookies being too close together and not having enough room to spread out. This causes them to be overcooked and can even cause them to burn. If you’re using a small cookie sheet, make sure to only put a few cookies on at a time, so they have plenty of room to spread out.
3. Not chilling the dough.
If you don’t chill the dough before baking, cookies will spread more and be thinner and flatter. Chilling the dough lets the fats solidify, which in turn prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
4. Using wrong flour
One of the most common mistakes done while baking cookies is using the wrong flour. Using the wrong flour can result in cookies that are too dry, crumbly, or hard. The type of flour you use can make a big difference in the texture and taste of your cookies. For example, using all-purpose flour will give you a different result than using self-rising flour. Be sure to read the recipe carefully and use the type of flour specified.
Also Read: 10 Common Baking Mistakes You Should Avoid
5. Too much butter softening
One mistake that is often made when baking cookies is using too much butter when softening it. This can cause the cookies to spread too much and become thin and crispy. Another mistake that is sometimes made is not using enough butter, which can cause the cookies to be dry and crumbly.
6. Using stale baking powder or baking soda
When it comes to baking cookies, one of the most common mistakes is using stale baking powder or baking soda. This can cause your cookies to be dense and not rise properly. Be sure to check the expiration date on your baking powder and baking soda before using them, and if they are expired, don’t use them!
Also read: Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda
7. Overworked the dough
There are a few things that can go wrong when you overwork the dough while baking cookies. The dough can become tough and difficult to work with, the cookies can be tough and chewy, and the overall flavor of the cookies can be affected. All of these problems can be avoided by taking your time when mixing the dough and being careful not to overmix it.
8. Measuring ingredients incorrectly
One of the most common mistakes made while baking cookies is measuring the ingredients incorrectly. This can often lead to cookies that are either too dry or too wet and can ruin the entire batch. When measuring flour, be sure to use the spoon and level method, as scooping the flour directly from the container can lead to too much being used. For other ingredients like sugar and butter, it’s important to use a measuring cup that is properly calibrated. Be sure to also level off the ingredient, so you don’t add too much.
9. Over greasing the cookie sheet
Cookies need fat to spread and become crispy, but too much fat will make them greasy. When using a baking spray, be sure to coat the pan evenly and lightly. If you find that your cookies are sticking or spreading too much, it’s likely that you’ve used too much grease.
10. Not cooling cookies enough.
One of the most common mistakes when baking cookies is not cooling them enough. This can cause the cookies to spread too much, resulting in thin and crispy cookies. It can also cause the cookies to be undercooked, which can make them tough and chewy. To avoid these problems, be sure to let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
11. Baking on the wrong rack
Baking on the wrong rack is a common mistake that people make when baking cookies. The wrong rack can cause cookies to bake unevenly, resulting in burnt or undercooked cookies. To avoid this mistake, be sure to check the recipe to see which rack the cookies should be baked on.
12. Eating the cookie dough
When it comes to baking cookies, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is eating the cookie dough. Raw cookie dough contains uncooked eggs and flour, which can lead to food poisoning. If you must eat the cookie dough, make sure to cook the eggs and flour first.
Conclusion
Baking cookies is a great way to show your love and appreciation for someone. It’s also a fun hobby that allows you to express your creative side. With practice, patience, and attention to detail, anyone can become an expert cookie maker in no time at all!
