FAQs
According to The Kitchn, this occurs when you over-mix the dough. Mixing the dough naturally causes gluten to develop in the flour, and while you do need a good amount of gluten to give your cookies structure, too much of it will result in hard cookies.
Why do my cookies end up hard? ›
the more you mix cookie dough. the more the gluten develops and they become hard and dry and an unfavorable texture.
How to keep cookies from getting hard after baking? ›
Putting a slice of fresh white bread in the container with the cookies will help the cookies stay soft: fresh bread is moist, and that slice will give up its moisture for the greater good: keeping the cookies from drying out. We recommend white bread so that no flavor is transferred to the cookies.
Why did my cookies turn out crunchy? ›
Adding too little flour can cause cookies to be flat, greasy, and crispy. Most recipes assume you'll use all-purpose, but if you want a lighter, crumblier cookie texture, choose one with a lower protein content such as cake-and-pastry flour. Baking soda helps cookies spread outward and upward while cooking.
Why do my cookies have a weird after taste? ›
The ingredients you used could be the culprit – using different sugars, melted butter, baking powder or baking soda can alter a cookie's texture and taste.
What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft? ›
Cornstarch Is The Secret To Soft And Chewy Cookies.
What makes cookies fluffy and not flat? ›
Room temperature butter is just the right consistency to incorporate air when it's creamed with sugar. These trapped air pockets result in risen, fluffy cookies. If the butter is any warmer, it won't incorporate enough air and your cookies will have less rise.
How do you make cookies soft instead of crunchy? ›
How to Make Soft Cookies
- Cream your butter and sugar well.
- Choose a low-protein flour.
- Don't overmix your dough.
- Chill your dough.
- Use a higher ratio of white to brown sugar.
- Don't chill your dough.
- Smash your dough and bang the pan.
How to store cookies to keep them crunchy? ›
To keep crispy cookies crisp, you need to keep them away from moisture. Always store different types of cookies separately—soft cookies can cause crispy cookies to soften due to their extra moisture. Place crispy cookies in an airtight container, but don't completely seal it.
What makes a cookie crunchy vs chewy? ›
The ingredients you use and how you shape your cookies both play an important role in whether your cookies turn out crispy or chewy. The type of flour and sugar you use, if your cookie dough contains eggs, and whether you use melted or softened butter all factor into the crispy-chewy equation, too.
There are a few common methods for softening cookies, including microwaving them, heating them in the oven, and placing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
What makes cookies flat and crispy? ›
Melted butter – To achieve thin and crisp cookies, I've discovered that melted butter is really crucial. Melted butter helps the cookies to spread out and become flatter with crisp edges.
What is the best sugar for baking cookies? ›
Granulated sugar: Derived from either sugarcane or sugar beets, this is the most commonly used sugar in baking, and for good reason. It's neutral in flavor and has medium-sized, uniform crystals that are small enough to dissolve into batters and large enough to create air pockets when creamed with butter.
What to do with cookies that are too hard? ›
simply put the cookies inside a dish that you can seal with a lid. then add a slice of bread to the dish for simplicity purposes. I just added one cookie and half a slice of bread here. let it sit overnight.
How to keep cookies crisp after baking? ›
Keep those cookies crisp by storing them in an airtight container. Some people toss a piece of bread in with the cookies to help absorb any excess moisture. You could also re-crisp them by baking on a wire rack in a 300 degree F oven for a few minutes.
What makes cookies chewy and not hard? ›
Use Melted Butter
If the goal is a chewy cookie, then you absolutely need to be using melted butter. The technique of creaming softened butter and sugar together is often used for making cakes. And for good reason! The process of creaming incorporates air into the butter which results in a more airy and cakey cookie.