Just Baking

It’s that time of year again, and for those of you who enjoy being in the kitchen, you know what that means:  dozens and dozens of homemade cookies.  Whether you’re trying a recipe out for the first time or wanting to improve an old favorite, these tips will ensure your next batch comes out just the way you intended.

Problem 1:  Your cookies always come out hard and tough, or never seem to bake evenly.

Solution:  To prevent cookies from becoming tough and hard, don’t add more flour to the cookie dough than the recipe calls for.  And, also avoid overmixing once the flour is added - you’ll want to mix until just blended.  For even baking, be sure cookies are of the same thickness.

Problem 2:  You always burn your cookies.

Solution:  To avoid burning, check the cookies at the minimum baking time suggested in the recipe, and then watch them closely during their last few minutes in the oven.  When they’re done and out of the oven, transfer them from the cookie sheet to a wire rack right away, otherwise they’ll continue to bake on the hot sheet.

Problem 3:  When you transfer your cookie cutouts from the work surface to the cookie sheet, they always become misshapen.

Solution:  Transfer cutout cookies from the work surface to the cookie sheet with a spatula.  You can also chill your dough in the refridgerator for a few hours.  Once it’s firm, roll out your dough, cut your shapes and then transfer them to the baking sheet.

Problem 4:  Your cookies always seem to spread too much when they bake.

Solution:  Don’t grease the cookie sheet when the recipe doesn’t say to, and don’t place your unbaked cookies on a hot or too warm cookie sheet.

Problem 5:  Your cookies become soggy when you try to cool them.

Solution:  Don’t overlap or place cookies on top of each other on a wire rack - this will cause them to become soggy.  Also, wait until cookies are completely cooled before storing.

Problem 6:  Your cookies become hard right away, and aren’t good the next day.

Solution:  Place a slice of bread in the cookie jar - this will soften the cookies that are too hard.  You’ll need to change the slice every other day.  This will also keep soft cookies soft so they won’t harden.

Problem 7:  You like to give cookies as gifts, but they always get destroyed during transport.

Solution:  (This tip I got from Good Housekeeping) Wrap cookies in a tight-fitting container as soon as they’re cool.  Line the container with plastic wrap or waxed paper, and place a thick cushion of crumpled waxed paper on the bottom.  Then pack the cookies in pairs, back to back, with waxed paper in between them.  You can also wrap cookies in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.  Place the heaviest items on the bottom and build layers with waxed-paper cushions, including one at the top of the container.

Problem 8:  You need to send a holiday care package, but don’t know how to pack it correctly.

Solution:  Pick cookies that are sturdy, then wrap, package, and mail them as soon as they’re cool.  Use a container with a tight-fitting lid.  Then assemble as in solution number 6.  Seal with strong adhesive tape and place the container in a similar-size box, addressing the package with waterproof ink.