8 Cookie Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Cookies are simple desserts that you can easily throw together on short notice.  It’s a good idea to have a handful of cookie recipes on hand for all sorts of occasions.  While drop and cut out cookies are not difficult, there is room for error.  That’s where these 8 cookie tips and tricks come in!  With this list up your sleeve, your cookies are sure to please.

 

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This post was originally published on December 10, 2018.  It was republished on September 9, 2021 with updates.

 

Cookie Tips and Tricks

 

These cookie tips and tricks can apply to most drop or cut out cookie recipes.  That being said, every recipe has its own quirks so always follow the directions when in doubt.

 

1. Perfectly Shaped Cookies

 

Scoops make perfectly shaped cookies.  An ice cream scoop with a release button or specifically made cookie scoops both work well.  I suggest having at least 2 sizes on hand. I have a large #20 that makes big cookies and fills my cupcake pan, and a small heaping tablespoon scoop for smaller cookies and my mini cupcake pan.  This makes cookie dough much easier to handle, like when I made the Dairy Free Lemon Oatmeal Cookies.

 

 

2. Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of

 

 No cookie tips and tricks list would be completely without a tip on presentation.  When making cookies with chunky ingredients mixed in (chocolate chips, cranberries, peanut butter chips, etc), press a few into the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking.  This looks nice and ensures that every bite is tasty. 

 

3. Minimize Spreading

 

Chill dough before shaping and/or before baking to minimize spreading.  This isn’t always necessary, but it can make a big difference if your dough is really soft.  Adding cornstarch can also help, but it can also affect the recipe, so proceed with caution. Check out my Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies for more talk on spreading.

 

 

4. Snack Stash

 

Chilling dough in the fridge is great and all, but can I interest you in freezing cookie dough? While I’ve never tried this for cut out cookies, I do it all the time for drop cookies! Store dough balls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months (they never last longer than that in my house because yum!).  

When baking frozen cookie dough, you’ll need to lower the oven temperature and increase the bake time by a few minutes.  This gives the cookies time to cook all the way through.  I do this all the time with my Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies, so check that recipe out for more deets.

 

5. Skip The Grease

 

Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats instead! Coating your cookie sheet in oil or cooking spray will make your cookies greasy and can cause them to spread. Silicone baking mats or parchment paper provide a non-stick surface without the added issues.

Now you may be wondering, does it matter which one I use?  Generally speaking, no.  I like that silicone mats are reusable and more insulating.  But parchment paper is crazy convenient and provides more direct heat.  For most drop and cut out cookies, both work great.

 

Related Reading: 11 Baking Tips & Tricks for Beginners

 

6. Aim For Under Baked

 

Take cookies out of the oven while they are still slightly under baked. They will continue to cook on the hot cookie sheet for several minutes.  Generally speaking, you want to look for a light golden color or slight browning along the edge of the cookie.

You want to make sure you give the cookies that last few minutes on the baking sheet once you’ve taken them out. Not only do they need to finish cooking, but if you try to move them too soon, they’ll be too hot and soft and you’ll have a giant mess on your poor burnt hands.

 

7. Keep It Cool

 

Placing cookie dough on a hot baking sheet will make them spread and cause them to bake unevenly. Instead, use multiple cookie sheets and alternate which ones you use. While one (or more) is in the oven, have another cooling down on the counter.  This is a great tip for anyone looking for cookie tips and tricks.  It can be tempting to use a hot sheet to speed up the process, but don’t do it!

Full disclosure, some bakers actually prefer to preheat their sheets to get a nice crisp bottom when baking frozen cookie dough balls.  I’ve found this unnecessary with my own bakes, but you could always give it a try.  But the secret is frozen dough.

 

 

8. Stay Gooey

 

If you bake more cookies than you can eat in one sitting, that’s okay.  I know we all want that soft, gooey center, so this cookie tip is a keeper.  Heat up leftover cookies in the microwave (about 10 seconds) or the oven (about 3- 5 minutes at 350℉).  Not quite the same as fresh, but you’ll have that yummy, gooey cookie!

 

Cookie Resources

  

Cupcake Jemma

Okay, while the Cupcake Jemma channel has amazing cupcakes, they also have a bomb playlist of their NYC style cookies.  They make these with a very unique method and have amazing flavor combos.

 

Bakes & Blunders YouTube Channel

I put all of these cookie tips and tricks into one short video over on the Bakes & Blunders YouTube channel so that you can find these little nuggets of wisdom any time you want.

 

Instagram

I love being inspired by talented bakers on Instagram.  For cookie inspiration, start following @bromabakery, @theloopywhisk, or @jpcustomcookies.  You might not be able to grab a bite through your phone, but the eye candy is still enjoyable!

 

 

Make Some Cookies!

Now that you’ve got a whole stash of cookie tips and tricks and some great resources, you should have the confidence to make some tasty Five Spice Molasses Cookies, or everyone’s favorite Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies.  And if you want to send me a box of your treats to show me how much you learned, I won’t be upset. 

 

Just sayin’. 

 

I love cookies.

Alrighty, I’ve given you a ton of cookie tips and tricks, but there’s always so much more to learn!  Consider signing up for the Bakes & Blunders Newsletter.  I promise, no spam and you can unsubscribe at any time.  You’ll get tips and tricks, access to over a dozen baking resources for free, and never miss a recipe.  In the meantime, I’ve got some beginner baking tips and cake tips and tricks that you may be interested in. 

 

Happy Baking!

 

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