I’m am by no means a professional at baking, I am a novice in the kitchen excited to learn more and excited to make some very delicious treats! I would absolutely love someday to make some very beautiful and elaborate desserts, but today, I am starting with the basics. I have collected a few of my favorite tips in baking that have already dramatically changed how my cookies, brownies, and breads turn out. Enjoy and get baking everyone!
Flour
- Using a scoop or large spoon, lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup. Level the flour off when the cup is full. Never just scoop and pack in the flour with the measuring cup. This will actually give you a lot more flour than the recipe calls for. Too much flour will make any recipe heavy and dry.
Butter
- For cookies and baked goods that are melt in your mouth good, use softened, unsalted butter. Butter is what helps make cookies soft and chewy on the inside, but golden and crisp on the outside.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda are common leaveners.
- Baking Soda allows the cookies to brown in the oven. Using Baking Powder will make the cookies puffier and lighter in color.
- Out of Baking Powder? Make your own using 2 parts Cream of Tarter, 1 part Baking Soda, and 1 part Cornstarch.
Sugar
- White Sugar makes a cookie crisper, while brown sugar will make a cookie chewier. Most cookie recipes often will call for a little of both sugars.
Eggs
- Eggs are a binding agent. The egg yolk helps bind the dough and add richness. Eggs also, if the only “liquid” used in the recipe can help puff up or spread out the baked good.
Well there you have it. A few quick tips that can help make any of your baked goods richer in flavor and texture. More tips to come in the future!
Share some of your favorite baking tips! I would love to learn from all of you!
