5 Simple Tips for Soft and Chewy Cookies

Soft and Chewy Cookies

"Why aren't my cookies soft and chewy?" is a question I hear a lot. When you prefer soft and chewy cookies, it can be disappointing when they turn out hard and crispy.
  Here are 5 simple tips to help make sure your homemade cookies turn out soft and chewy every time:

1. Pay close attention to baking time.
   Cookies are small and bake quickly so just an extra minute in the oven can take your cookies from soft and chewy to crispy. Cookies also continue to cook once removed from the oven (from heat left in the cookies and on the baking sheet (affiliate link).)Be sure to pull your baking sheet (affiliate link) of cookies from the oven when they are just lightly golden around the edges, but still soft appearing on top. They may even appear a little underdone. Let them cool for several minutes on the baking sheet (affiliate link) and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Measure flour carefully.
   Cookies with too much flour can turn out hard. Be sure to measure your flour accurately. It settles in the bag/canister so should be fluffed up with a spoon or whisk before you measure it.Don't pack flour into the cup. Gently scoop it or spoon it into the measuring cup and then level off the extra flour by sliding the flat side of a knife or spatula across the cup.
3. Consider your sweetener.
   The type of sugar or sweetener will make a big difference in the texture of your cookies. Cookies made with white sugar will be crispier and crunchier while cookies that contain brown sugar, molasses, honey, or a little bit of corn syrup will tend to be chewier. If you like chewy cookies, make sure you use a recipe with one of these sweeteners.
4. Chill the dough.
   Warm, soft cookie dough will spread more while baking resulting in flatter, crisper cookies. For thicker, chewier cookies, be sure to chill your dough in the refrigerator thoroughly before using it to bake your cookies.
5. Store Properly.
   Proper storage is important for maintaining a cookie's chewy texture. Soft chewy cookies must be stored in an airtight container once they are cool. Don't store them before they are completely cool or they will turn sticky and soggy. Yuck. Place a slice of bread or piece of apple with your cookies to keep them soft. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread/apple so they stay softer longer.

Read more on How To Make Perfect Cookies at Best-Ever-Cookie Collection.com, a great resource for easy cookie recipes and helpful baking tips!

You might also be interested in...

• 10 Favorite No Bake Cookie Recipes
• How to Make Cookies from Cake Mix
• Easy Ganache Topped Brownies
• 7 Easy Ways to Make Healthier Cookies

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