Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there are certain mistakes that are easy to make when baking cookies. In this article, we'll explore 12 cookie-baking mistakes that most home bakers are guilty of, and offer tips on how to avoid them. By learning how to avoid these mistakes, you can ensure that your cookies turn out perfect every time.
1. The butter is too soft
Most cookie recipes call for room temperature butter. Room temperature butter should be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit when it's ready to use. It should also be soft and pliable, but not runny. Did you know that you can make your own homemade butter?
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How to fix it?
Let your butter sit at room temperature for min. 60 minutes to reach the correct temperature. If it has gone much longer than that and is very soft or runny, put it back in the refrigerator for several minutes until it's pliable, but less soft.
2. The oven is too hot
Ovens can vary quite a bit in temperature. The problem could have nothing to do with the ingredients; it could be your oven. An incorrect oven temperature definitely can ruin more complicated and delicate desserts such as eclairs but even for something simple like cookies, believe me, the oven temperature is so important!
How to fix it?
Purchasing a digital oven thermometer is a great way to test out the actual temperature of your oven. If you suspect the oven temperature may have been too hot, an accurate oven thermometer can make a big difference in your recipes even beyond cookies.
3. Hot cookie sheets are used
Many people wonder why the cookies turn out flat and are not aware that the dough should always be baked on cool cookie trays. If the cookie sheet is hot, the butter will immediately begin to melt and make each cookie spread before the flour has had a chance to build the cookies' structure.
How to fix it?
Purchase multiple cookie sheets for quick batches or allow time between batches to let the cookie sheet cool, which usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4. Ingredients aren´t measured correctly
Take your time when measuring ingredients. The measuring process is just as important as the mixing of the batter. Incorrectly measured ingredients can be the reason your cookies come out too thin. Not enough flour for example could also be a disaster for your cookies.
How to fix it?
A kitchen scale is always the best method for accurate ingredient measurements. If your recipe doesn't list the weight or you don't have a scale, be sure you are using the correct measuring tool.
5. The wrong kind of fat is used
It's important to use the specific kind of fat called for in the recipe. Standard cookie recipes commonly call for butter but just because there are similar products that work in cooking, doesn't mean they can be substituted in baking.
Related article: How to substitute butter in baking
How to fix it?
Be sure to use the correct fat called for in the recipe. Eg. you cannot just replace butter with oil or margarine or crisco without reformulating the recipe.
6. The cookie dough is not chilled before baking
If you find your cookies are flat, the cookie dough may have been too warm when baked. Almost all cookie recipes including coffee cookies, chocolate chip walnut cookies, and raspberry cheesecake cookies, call for chilling time, for a very good reason, not to end up with pancake-like cookies.
How to fix it?
Always refer to the recipe before beginning so that you can plan for adequate chilling time. Usually, cookies need at least 30 minutes to chill, but it's not uncommon that a cookie recipe calls for 2-4 hours or more.
7. The butter and sugar are undermixed or overmixed
Creaming the butter and sugar (just like when making cakes or cupcakes) together creates air pockets that help give cookies rise. Creaming them for 2-3 minutes will make the mixture fluffy, however, over-mixing can actually break down the air bubbles you're creating.
How to fix it?
Be sure to start with room-temperature butter. Cold butter won't properly cream. Use the recipe's reference photos and tips to look for the proper texture.
8. Greased cookie sheets are used
Nobody likes it when their food sticks to the pan, in fact, greasing is a super important step to get bundt cakes out of the pan. But, using a greased cookie sheet is not a good idea. Buttering the cookie sheet will add extra fat that can cause the cookies to spread much more than you intended and leave you with a greasy mess.
How to fix it?
Rather than greasing your cookie sheets, using silicone baking mats or parchment paper will keep your cookies from sticking.
9. Baking soda is old or expired
If you find your cookies are flat, the leavening agents may be the reason why. Baking powder and baking soda help give cookies their rise, but if they are not fresh they will not work properly. Additionally, while these two ingredients look similar, they are not interchangeable.
Related articles:
How to substitute baking powder
How to fix it?
Replace your baking powder and baking soda regularly to maintain freshness. Once opened, each should be replaced every six months.
10. Too many cookies baked at a time
Cookies need space to spread and overcrowding the baking sheet can cause them to flatten. Baking too many batches at a time could also cause flat cookies.
How to fix it?
Be sure to give the cookie dough balls at least 2-3 inches of space to avoid accidentally baking one giant cookie. Additionally, always bake one tray of cookies at a time on the center rack.
11. Low quality ingredients or substitutes are used
The baking ingredients you use are very important to the success of a recipe. You may notice that some chocolate chips don't melt quite the same or that using margarine in place of butter causes differences in the recipe's texture. For example, substituting eggs in baking requires special care.
Related article: What do eggs do in baking
How to fix it?
Whenever possible use high quality brands for the best possible outcome. If this isn't possible for all the ingredients, be sure to choose as many quality ingredients as you can. If you're using a substitute, be sure that it's appropriate for your specific type of recipe. Unless you are an expert baker, the best practice is to not make substitutes that the recipe developer did not suggest.
12. Using an unreliable recipe
Sometimes it just comes down to the recipe. It's important to use recipes from trusted and experienced bakers.
How to fix it?
Use a trusted source when looking for recipes online like Spatula Desserts, where the creator of the recipes clearly has the right knowledge and experience. The recipes have process shots and step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
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Brownie Cookies are the perfect treat for chocolate cravings. The perfectly crinkled top and thick, rich, fudgy center are what make this the ultimate cookie for brownie and chocolate lovers! Salt sprinkled on top balances the sweetness.
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Coffee Cookies
These rich and chocolatey Coffee Cookies are a bold and decadent dessert filled with delicious flavor in every bite. This chewy and indulgent treat pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee to help you double down on the dreamy flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
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Chocolate chip walnut cookies
These easy Chocolate chip walnut cookies are a delicious way to give the nut lovers in your family a sweet treat. Semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of bright sea salt to balance the flavors make this an indulgent cookie to enjoy during those darker evenings as we move into fall and winter. Everyone will love the chewy texture and the gooey inside that is the hallmark of the best chocolate chip walnut cookies!
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Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate chewy, gooey cream cheese-filled cookies that are bursting in natural strawberry flavor! Besides how amazing they taste, the best thing about these Strawberry cookies is that no special equipment is needed to make them and they come together surprisingly easily following my step-by-step baking guide!
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Our guide to the Best Raspberry Desserts is packed with easy raspberry dessert recipes that will have you looking forward to baking with the delicious, tart, and tangy flavor that raspberries provide. We chose these desserts with raspberries because of their thorough step-by-step recipes, beautiful photos, and bold involvement of the raspberry flavor.
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Our guide to the Best European Desserts contains the most famous desserts from Europe, including countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland. And what's more, our list of European desserts includes recipes and tutorials on how you can make them yourself without having to travel anywhere except your kitchen!
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This article was originally published as Why are my cookies flat on Spatula Desserts.
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