- Q. When baking multiple batches with only one set of cookie sheets, the second and third batches cook too quickly and become overly browned. Is this because the sheet pans are hot?
That is very likely. When making multiple batches of cookies, cool off baking sheets by running tepid water over the bottom of the pans. This will cool the pans down without getting the baking surfaces wet. Also, we highly recommend investing in an oven thermometer. The one in your oven may not be working accurately and allowing the oven to become too hot.
Q. When I bake on my pans at home I often have problems with the cookies sticking to the pan or getting too brown on the bottom. Is there anything that can prevent this?
Yes, there are a number of things that can help. Light-colored, thick gauged sheet pans are much better than the dark-colored, thin cookie sheets. They tend to bake the cookies more evenly. You can also use silicone or parchment paper on top of the sheet pans for a better result, as well as easier cleaning and cookie removal. You may still need a spatula for removing cookies from the parchment paper, but most often cookies slide right off of the silicone baking sheets.
Q. When I take the cookies out of the oven, they are too gooey to put on a cooling rack, yet I find that they cook too much when I leave them on the pan. Please help!
One option is to use a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper. You can pick the sheet/paper off of the pan and place it onto the counter. This will allow the cookie time to fully form but they will also prevent further baking from staying on the hot sheet pan. (Make sure you don’t put them on the stove that is hot from the oven!)
Q. What are your tips for getting a good cookie that stays chewy for longer than a few hours?!
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Our recipes are formulated to help ensure the possibilities for a chewy cookie. As long as they are not over-baked, Handcrafted Cookies should retain some chewiness for 2-3 days. Since they do not have hydrogenated fats, syrup or other stabilizers, the chewiness will not last as long as most commercially processed cookies, but there are some things to help. To keep cookies chewy, bake until the edges are just browning with a noticeably drier ring around the outside, and a moist center (not raw). Be sure to remove cookies from pan quickly and put onto a plate or hard surface, instead of a cooling rack. If you use parchment paper or silicone sheets, simply remove the paper/sheet from the pan and place on a hard flat surface.
Q. I love crisp cookies and wonder the best way to make them crisp. Any recommendations?
Our cookies are formulated to allow for a chewier cookie, however they can be made crispy pretty easily. If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake until the edges brown well and the middle takes on a drier appearance. Allow the cookies to sit on the pan for 5 minutes or so and then put them on a cooling rack. This allows more air around the cookies and will allow moisture to escape. Our raspberry mint cookies are quite moist due to the characteristics of the raspberry preserves so they need extra time and may not get very crispy. You can also experiment with a slightly higher temperature. Try at 375° and see if that helps.
Q. My apartment oven is old and unpredictable. How can I possibly make a quality home baked cookie with this monster?
Well, we can’t promise any miracles but I’ll share a few general tips that help when dealing with a pesky oven. The best thing you can do is invest in a quality oven thermometer. This goes for everyone, even those of you with newer ovens. Installed oven thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. Our home oven is almost always 25 degrees cooler than it is set to be. Even after an hour at the programmed temperature, it does not regulate properly. When you put the cookies in be sure to set a timer and rotate them at 5 and 10 minutes (if they are not done at 10 minutes). If you have two racks or more this means rotate the pans front to back and to different racks (top and bottom). Using a light-colored, thicker sheet pan with silicone or parchment paper is also helpful. Best of luck!
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