How to Bake Perfect Cookies Every Time

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Common cookie ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar (both granulated and brown), butter, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best results.

Use all-purpose flour for most cookie recipes, as it provides the right texture. If a cookie recipe requires cake flour or bread flour, use them accordingly, as they can alter the texture and taste.

Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can result in flat cookies. Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour if you don't have a scale.

For a perfect cookie dough, soften your butter to room temperature. It should be pliable but not melted. This ensures even mixing when combined with sugar.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving cookies a light texture.

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, which enhances the flavor of the cookies.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and any other leaveners called for in your recipe. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in tough cookies.

If your cookie recipe includes add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits, fold them in gently using a spatula or wooden spoon after the dough is fully mixed.

For best results, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the flavors meld and stiffens the dough, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your cookie recipe, typically between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). A preheated oven ensures even baking.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Leave enough space for spreading.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake according to your recipe. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can bake quickly.

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Once cool, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. Cookies typically stay fresh for a week. For long-term storage, freeze them.