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Sweet Success Cookie Baking Tips

‘Tis the season for baking, bringing with it the delightful aromas of freshly baked goods, the joy of sharing treats with loved ones, and the warmth of festive gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the kitchen can be a hub of activity and fun during this festive time. From mastering essential baking skills to discovering time-saving hacks, we’re here to make your baking journey successful and fun so the memories created will last long after the last holiday goody is eaten!

Time Saving Tips

  • Make a baking schedule - list out the recipes you want to try, and plan your baking days to avoid last minute stress
  • Enlist the help of your children or grandchildren while creating holiday memories
  • Batch bake - choose recipes that you can make in large batches
  • Cookies, bars and breads freeze well
  • Prepare cookie dough when you have some free time
  • Prepared dough will keep at least 3 days in the refrigerator or several weeks in the freezer
  • Gather ingredients and equipment before beginning the recipe
  • Cut down on clean up by lining your cookie sheets or cake tins with parchment paper
  • Maximize your oven space by using sheet pans for multiple recipes at once 
  • Rotate for even baking
  • Prepare other cookie sheets to go in the oven while cookies are baking

Crushing Cookie Baking

Who doesn’t love cookies? During the holiday season, trays of delicious cookies seem to be everywhere, and we all know Santa is a big fan!  Have you ever wondered why some bakers consistently turn out the most delectable cookies while yours occasionally are too thin, dry or over browned? The secret lies in a few simple tip that can make all the difference:


  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for better mixing
  • Measure ingredients carefully using the right utensils for consistent results every time
  • Don’t over mix dough or you’ll end up with “one tough cookie”
  • Chill dough well to enhance flavors and improve texture in cookies and pastries
  • Cut out as many cookies as possible on the first rolling when making rolled cookies
  • More flour is worked in each time the dough is rolled resulting in a dry, hard cookie
  • Allow at least 2 inches of space between cookies when placing on cookie sheets so air can circulate
  • Use bright, shiny aluminum cookie sheets rather than dark colored to prevent over browning
  • Bake cookies on the middle oven rack for the most even heat and air circulation
  • Don’t over bake - a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when a cookie is baked
  • Cookies will continue to bake after they are removed from the oven
  • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely: 3 to 5 minutes for chewy cookies, and 1 minute for crispier cookies

Cookie Troubleshooting

Cookies spread too much:

  • Place cookies on a cool baking sheet
  • Replace part of the butter in the recipe with shortening
  • If you’re using margarine, check the label and make sure it contains 80% vegetable oil


Cookies don't spread enough:

  • Use all butter instead of shortening or margarine
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid such as milk or water
  • Let dough stand at room temperature before baking


Cookies are tough:

  • The dough was over handled or overmixed; use a light touch when mixing
  • Too much flour was worked into the dough
  • Add 1 or 2 tablespoons more of shortening, butter or sugar



Storing Cookies

  • Always cool cookies completely before storing them
  • Store crisp cookies separately from soft
  • Cookies may be stored in the freezer for 6 months in heavy duty freezer bags or airtight containers
  • Freeze fragile cookies on cookie sheets and once frozen, pack in airtight containers
  • If shipping cookies, wrap them individually and use popcorn to cushion the package for mailing
  • Place waxed paper between layers of cookies to keep them crisp and prevent them from sticking together


Now that you’re equipped with the tips for successful cookie baking, it’s time to unleash your inner baker with our scrumptious collection of holiday treats.


Visit our ‘Tis the Season for Cookies Blog for an assortment of holiday cookie recipes!


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