Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, cont. - Baking Tips

Now, what should you know before you bake that fantastic cookie batter (see last post)...?

1) Use parchment paper or a silicone sheet on top of your cookie sheet. This goes for basically all cookies you may ever want to make. The majority of cookie recipes call for ungreased sheets, and the parchment or silicone will prevent sticking, and help the bottoms of your cookies be nice and lightly golden brown, not burned, while the rest of your cookie is perfectly cooked. Some cookie recipes call for greased sheets, but this is usually unnecessary with parchment paper. If I don't have parchment paper in the house, I don't make cookies - end of story. It's not worth it. :)



2) Be sure to give your cookies the amount of space in between them specified by the recipe. This allows them all to bake evenly, and since they will spread just a little bit, you won't risk them running into each other.



3) Check the cookies at least 2 minutes before the minimum time called for in the recipe. If they aren't done, put them in for another minute, and check again. Chocolate chip cookies should be a light-to-medium golden brown on the bottom, and a very light golden on the edges/tops. They shouldn't look wet, but they should still be a little soft. They will set more firmly as they cool. If you overcook them, they will still taste good, but they won't be those bundles of chewy, chocolatey goodness that you're probably hoping to achieve. :)



4) Remove from sheets promptly and place on a wire rack to cool. If you leave them on the hot baking sheets, they will overcook and lose their chewiness.



5) And now, the tip that goes for any cookie recipe, ever: FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. This may sound obvious, but I know plenty of people who wonder why their recipes don't turn out, when the reason is often is because they may have followed the directions in terms of amounts of ingredients, but otherwise they just throw everything together, stir it up, and bake it. Yes, sometimes you can take shortcuts, but knowing when you can do that and still get your desired results takes practice and experience. Directions such as "cream butter and sugar until fluffy" or "add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition," etc., are included in the recipe for a reason. They will make a difference in the end product. Take my word on this one. Read the directions - and then follow them. :) You might be surprised at just how excellently your baking turns out! :)
Enjoy those cookies!