The Most Common Mistake Everyone Makes When Baking Cookies
June 20, 2024
source: Pexels
For me, there was no greater pleasure than the aroma of cookies freshly baked in the oven. My grandma prepared the most delicious cookies ever and my sister, my little brother, and I would sit (sometimes not very still) and wait for the cookies to cool down a bit so that we can gobble them up. Those cookies were not only tasty snacks; they were the sugar-coated recollections of childhood, sprinkled with the love of grandmother’s baking.
I recall those Saturday afternoons as if it happened just a few days ago. Grandma would prepare the dough and share some stories from her childhood while she was doing it. We would be sitting around the kitchen table with our eyes and ears glued to every word that was being said and every movement of the spoon in the bowl. It was magical. Waiting for it was almost torturous, but once the cookies were done and out of the oven, it was the best feeling ever.
Actually, at that time I had no idea what science or methods go into baking. I just knew that grandma’s cookies were something out of this world. However, as I became older and more curious about cooking and baking, I began to know the process of creating those flawless cookies. One of the most interesting facts for me was the need to chill the cookie dough before baking. Who knew?
This is a very common error that a lot of people do. Many people prepare the dough and immediately put it in the oven to bake the cookies and eat them as fast as possible. You know what? Patience is not something that comes naturally when you want cookies. But not chilling the dough is like leaving out the miracle ingredient in grandma’s recipe – your cookies will never be the same.
Why You Should Chill Your Cookie Dough
But why is it so important to refrigerate the cookie dough? That is where science comes in. There are a few things that happen when you chill the dough that have a lot of impact on the final outcome. First, chilling solidifies the fat in the dough. This means that when the cookies are baking, the fat takes longer to melt and this helps the cookies to have a good shape. Anyone ever make cookies that ended up spreading out too much and looking like a cookie pancake? Yes, that is what happens when the dough is not chilled.
Also, chilling the dough ensures that the flour is well hydrated. This way, the flour has enough time to absorb all the liquid and this results in a better texture. This is especially important if you want your cookies to have that perfect texture that is both chewy and a little crispy.
Also, when the dough is chilled, the flavors become more intense. While the dough is allowed to sit, the sugars draw in the liquid and the flavors combine. This means that your cookies will taste richer and more complex. I promise you once you try chilling your dough you will taste the difference. It is as if all the ingredients meet and get along better, which leads to a better cookie.
The first time I tried chilling the dough, I was cynical, restless, and to be honest, skeptical that it would change much. But oh boy, was I wrong. The cookies were so much better! They retained their shape, had a great texture, and the taste was just incredible. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. What Grandma didn’t tell me was that it was not just love, it was science as well!
How Long Should You Keep Cookie Dough in the Fridge?
Now that we know why chilling the dough is important, the next question is: how long should it be kept in the refrigerator? It depends on the recipe and the type of cookie you are making, but as a rule, you should chill the dough for about 30 minutes minimum. But for the best results, it is often advisable to let the dough rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or even overnight.
For your basic chocolate chip cookies, I advise that you refrigerate the dough for at least two hours. This allows the fat to set and the flavors to Infuse into the meat. If you want to be really patient or if you won’t be tempted to skip this step, letting the dough chill overnight can give better results. If I am preparing cookies for a special event, I will make the dough the night before so that all I have to do is bake them. It is a bit of an inconvenience but it is so worth it in the end.
For sugar cookies or any other cookies that you will be using cookie cutters to make shapes, it is crucial to chill the dough. The dough should be just right for rolling without sticking to everything and that is where chilling comes in. For these types of cookies, I would recommend at least one hour in the refrigerator, but of course, overnight is best if possible.
Baking is one process that is best done with a lot of patience. I understand that it is challenging to be patient, especially when you are eager to bite into a cookie. But let me assure you, the end result is miles apart. Dough chilling is a process that might seem insignificant but it has a significant effect.
Here are a Few Tips for Chilling Cookie Dough
Wrap It Up: Ensure that you cover the dough well with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. This helps it not to dry up and also not to soak up smells from your fridge.
Divide and Conquer: If you are preparing a large amount of dough, it is best to portion it before chilling. This also aids in quick and even chilling of the dough.
Room Temperature Matters: Do not be in a hurry to start rolling the dough or scooping it into the baking sheet before allowing it to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. If the dough is too cold, it becomes difficult to handle.
Plan Ahead: If you are sure that you will be busy the next day, prepare the dough the day before. This way, it’s ready to go when you need it, and you won’t be tempted to skip the chilling step.
So the next time you are preparing to bake cookies, do not forget to give the dough some time to rest. It’s a step that is very simple to miss, but the benefits are tremendous. You will be left with cookies that not only look appealing but also taste much better. And who knows, maybe one day you will be that grandma (or grandpa) with the best cookie recipe, sharing memories and treats with the next generation.
Now, whenever I bake cookies, I am reminded of my grandma and those special Saturdays we spent together. I can still hear her laughter and smell the cookies being baked in the oven. Putting the dough in the refrigerator is a small acknowledgment of her knowledge and the care with which she made each batch.