From a young age, I've always appreciated a good cookie. You should have witnessed my excitement when I found out that I could make them myself. What started with placing and baking quickly turned into sifting and whisking. Our tiny kitchen in my 100-year-old house transformed into the baking arena of Betty Crocker herself. My floury messes were quickly overshadowed by the oh-so-loved smell of my famous chocolate chip cookies.
This love for baking has become an outlet for stress and a true source of happiness in my life.
This love for baking has become an outlet for stress and a true source of happiness in my life.
my big sister and I mixing away!
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admiring a fellow "baker"
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Cookie enthusiasts all over the world are persistently battling to accurately define the perfect cookie. The thing is...the perfect cookie is completely up to the individual cookie lover. Some like their cookies crunchy, some doughy, and some live happily in the middle. Over my cookie-baking career, I have discovered 2 golden rules that (in my opinion) are essential to reaching perfection.
Chill your dang dough! There's a reason that store bought cookie dough is chilled (besides the fact that it would go bad if left out). Chilling your dough allows for the fatty ingredients to solidify, reducing the amount of spreading that occurs in the oven. I could go on and on about the benefits of cold cookie dough, but King Arthur definitely says it best. Click here to read more truly chilling facts! Preheat your oven to 350°, and watch the magic happen. Most baking recipes call for a 350° oven, but the hard part is maintaining that temperature. I know far too well how tempting it can be to open the oven door while checking on your precious little mounds of dough. Resist the temptation. Allowing your cookies to bake uninterrupted ensures that no heat escapes the oven. The end result is worth it...I promise! |
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sometimes you crave a freshly baked cookie but don't want to make a whole batch...
Introducing my Ooey Gooey Pantry Cookie for One. This super simple recipe uses staple pantry ingredients and only dirties up 2 bowls!