The Essential Guide To Baking

New pans or those coated with a dark release agent will cause cookies to over bake on their

bottoms. Double stack, (place one pan inside another) to end this pesky problem.

Always season new pans (before using) by applying a thin coat of vegetable oil and placing

them in a 400 degree oven for about twenty minutes. Wipe them clean, cool and then prepare the

pans as usual for baking.

Cookies stick to the baking sheet when the sheet is not properly prepared for baking. Be sure

that the sheet is seasoned before using, if new. Do not use detergents for cleaning. Wipe the

sheet clean with a lightly greased cloth then wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Cool the sheet completely between batches. Putting cookie dough on a hot or warm baking sheet

will sometimes cause them to stick. Remove cookies from the baking sheet while they are still

warm. Use a spatula when necessary and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Using parchment paper will prevent your cookies from sticking and keep your cookie sheets

clean.

If you like soft centered cookies, chill the cookies after placing on the baking sheet. Bake

them at a higher temperature than called for, but watch closely. Remove the cookies from the

oven when they are light brown.

When cutting or bagging cookies; try to make them all the same size. They'll bake evenly that

way.

Cover cookie dough between baking batches. The dough will dry out quickly and become

unworkable. Cookie dough freezes well (6 to 12 months). Wrap tightly and freeze left−overs for

next time.

Most cookies should bake in ten to twelve minutes. Start with an oven temperature of

50 degrees and go up five degrees until your cookies are baked ten or twelve minutes. Longer

baking times will cause the cookies to be dry. Do not overcrowd the cookies on their baking

sheet. Let the hot air circulate around each cookie.

It is important to make notes and attach them to each cookie recipe that you make. Next time,

you'll have the notes to refer to and your baking process will flow much smoother.

Handling and finishing cookies:

Finishing your cookies may be the most important part of making them. Eye appeal always

heightens taste appeal. Make them pretty!

Make your cookies shine by mixing a pinch of salt with a fresh egg. Beat the egg and salt

together (only a little), then let the mixture sit for about fifteen minutes. Brush the egg

mixture on each cookie before baking. Sprinkle on a little granulated sugar when desired

(before baking). Egg wash is a great topping on Short Bread cookies.

Lightly toast coconut or oatmeal for use as a topping after the cookie is baked. Lightly

brush the cookie with honey or corn syrup to make the coconut stick.

Melt chocolate (thin with a few drops of vegetable oil) and dip half the cookie. Place the

Baking Cookies