How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies (Part 3)
May 14, 2008 by Kayla
So I am assuming youve read part one and two of my article and youre still wondering how to make a chocolate chip cookie just the way you want it. Well then, you have come to the right place. Keep reading for more informative tips and ideas that I have found that work for me in the kitchen.
If you find that you need a bit more review feel free to re-read How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies part I or How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies II. The next factor to discuss in how to make a chocolate chip cookie is to determine what causes the cookies to turn out more cake-like instead of chewy. Neither is wrong, but everyone has a favorite texture. What is yours?
Cake-like cookies are due to just a little extra liquid in the cookie dough. When there is extra liquid the cookies give off steam and that steam makes the cookies puff up more. When the batter puffs up it turns out cakey because there is more air in the cookie. So if you like a cake-like cookie, then keep this important fact in mind.
Another factor that alters cookies is when they spread as they bake. Why is that? Basically, its due to the use of low-fat ingredients. Many people have started substituting low-fat butter for the regular stuff which doesnt always work out so well. This is because low-fat butter has nearly 20 percent more waterwhich as we discussed earlier, the extra liquid can cause excessive spreading. So when youre making cookies, dont worry about low-fat. Sometimes, its okay to just have the best ingredients, not the healthiest, and get a good old fashion chocolate chip cookie for your efforts.
Are you still asking yourself, how to make a chocolate chip cookie? Well I have another tip that is so easy to remember in your kitchen. Another culprit of spreading is cookie batter being dropped onto a hot baking sheet. When the cookie sheet is hot, it melts the batter before its in the oven so it cannot hold its shape and it spreads; which is fine if you want thin and crispy cookiesits just whatever youre looking for. But if youd rather have those soft and chewy cookies then use your baking sheet at room temperature or even chill your baking sheet before dropping the dough, is it wont spread. When you decide what you want, you can make sure your baking pan matches your criteria for the perfect cookie. Adding a new batch of dough to a hot baking sheet isnt a good idea if it is soft chewy cookies that you are looking for.
The final tip for how to make a chocolate chip cookie is in the recipe. You know which recipe. Everyones got one. You use it once and are rewarded with fantastic cookies, just the way you like the perfect recipe. But then when you make the cookies again the cookies are all wrong. You followed the recipe exactly. What happened this time?
It is can be something as simple as the way you measured the ingredients. Some examples include how people measure flour, brown sugar, and other dry ingredients. Flour should be stirred in the canister or bag first before scooping. This aerates the flour and separates the clumps. Then spoon it carefully into a dry measuring cup. (You know the ones; the cups that you can scrape off the extra. NEVER use a liquid measuring cup for dry ingredients. It wont be accurate and youll be sorry later.)
To measure brown sugar, scoop it directly into a dry measuring cup and pack it firmly. If its not packed, you could be missing out on 2-4 extra tablespoons of necessary sugar.
For other dry ingredients it is just as important to use dry measuring cups and scrape off the extra from the top. For liquid ingredients be sure to use a liquid measuring cup for accuracy. Dry measuring cups measure the same but youre more likely to spill some and then you dont have the right amount anymore.
Finally, when you are trying to figure out how to make a chocolate chip cookie theres one important thing to remember. If the recipe requests a 350 degree oven, how sure are you that your oven is that precise temperature? Every now and then its important to check that the temperature of your oven is the same as the temperature it says it is. Accuracy is everything.
Well now you know the tips needed to make your perfect cookie. By following these ideas, you too will have the cookie youve been searching for personalized just for you! How to make a chocolate chip cookie can be fun and youll end up with something amazing! Have fun in the kitchen!
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