How To Make Cookies

Anyone can learn how to make cookies.

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I love baking cookies. They are so easy to make and so much better than the ones you buy in the store. They make great gifts around the holidays and a quick snack anytime of the day. There’s bar cookies, drop cookies, molded cookies, pressed cookies, refrigerator cookies and rolled cookies. Take your pick!

For the most part, cookies are basically a combination of flour, eggs, butter, white and/or brown sugar, baking powder/soda and flavorings. Kids and adults alike can’t seem to get enough of them.

Here are a few tips if you are having “cookie issues”

My cookies are browning too quickly -Check your oven. Is it set too high? Is it calibrated properly? You can check it with a free standing oven thermometer. If you are using a dark colored pan, remember to reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees F (15 degrees C). Aluminum pans work best.

My cookies are browning too quickly on the bottom - It could be the same reasons as above (you’re using a dark pan) or your oven rack may be too low. Another reason is that your batter has too much sugar in it.

My cookies are browning too quickly on top while the bottoms are undercooked –Check the oven temperature. Is it set too high? Check you oven racks. Are they set too high?

My cookies are spreading too much – First, always start with a cold baking sheet. If your dough is too soft, put it in the refrigerator for 15 or 20 minutes until it firms up. Check the recipe. Is it calling for an ungreased baking sheet and you are using a greased baking sheet? This will also cause your cookies to spread.

My cookies are dry and hard – You probably over baked them. Check the recipe to make sure you used enough eggs and/or liquid and that you didn’t use too much flour. Check your oven to make sure it’s set on the right temperature. If you have to bake your cookies too long, they will dry out.

Use the right cookie sheet. Over the years I've spent a lot of money on cookie pans only to find that the more expensive ones ARE NOT the best ones. You don't need those fancy "air-baked" kinds, and you don't have to spend a fortune on a cookie sheet to get a good one. In fact, the cookie sheets that I use you can usually get 2 for about $15. They are a commercial cookie sheet, they won't warp, are easy cleanup, they last for years and best of all your cookies will turn out great everytime. They also double as a jelly roll pan. These are the ones that I use:

Kitchen Collection 17 Inch Cookie Pans Set of 2 Heavyweight professional weight aluminum sheets will never warp or rust Easy to clean and provide easy food release Raised sides makes a great sheet cake and jelly roll pan Designed for metal and nonstick utensils Dishwasher safe 15 year warranty

Learning how to make cookies isn't rocket science, just keep these basic tips in mind when baking cookies and your cookies will be sure to be a hit!

Here are some of my favorite Cookie Recipes: