Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

14 genius hacks for your Christmas baking

14 genius hacks for your Christmas baking

The best gingerbread house to make with the kids this Christmas

The best gingerbread house to make with the kids this Christmas

12 best Christmas food hacks you need to try

12 best Christmas food hacks you need to try

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

{headline}

{headline}

Aldi's Christmas food range has dropped and the desserts are next-level

Aldi's Christmas food range has dropped and the desserts are next-level

3 festive Christmas ham recipes

3 festive Christmas ham recipes

How to get Australia’s best ham on your table this Christmas

How to get Australia’s best ham on your table this Christmas

{headline}

{headline}

How to throw the best Christmas in July party

How to throw the best Christmas in July party

12 genius uses for food scraps

12 genius uses for food scraps

You'll want to make this fun festive food

You'll want to make this fun festive food

12 amazing gingerbread houses

12 amazing gingerbread houses

Christmas biscotti

Christmas biscotti

How to cook the perfect steak

How to cook the perfect steak

15 show-stopping salads

15 show-stopping salads

  1. Home
  2. Food

12 reasons why you're ruining your Christmas baking

Get perfect cookies every single time - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 05 Dec 2017
12 reasons why you're ruining your Christmas baking
Getty

Despairing over burnt bottoms? Are you putting in the hard yards only to discover that your Christmas cookies come out too soft, too flat or too dry? 

Here's what you're doing wrong - and how to fix it, so you get perfect cookies, every single time. 

1. You’re using margarine

According to food experts, butter is preferable because the flavour it better. Also, many margarines have a high amount of water in them, resulting in flat cookies.

2. You’re using chilled butter

It’s important to allow your butter to reach room temperature before cooking. Put it out on the bench for 30 to 60 minutes. Be careful that it doesn't melt in high humidity. If it does, through it out, don't re-chill it.

3. You’re using melted butter

Resist the temptation to speed up the baking process by melting the butter. As explained above, it needs to be allowed to naturally reduce to room temperature. Melted butter results in flat cookies.

4. You’re packing in too much flour

Avoid tapping your flour to get a flat level in the measuring cup, as you'll end up with too much flour and dry cookies. Instead, gently stir your flour in the packet to loosen it up, before spooning it carefully into your measuring cup. Level it off with a knife instead of packing it in.

Baking Christmas cookies
Getty

5. You're using old flour

For the best flavour, use a fresh bag of flour.

6. You’re using dark non-stick baking pans

Opt for light coloured, shiny baking sheets made from heavy-gauge aluminium. Dark non-stick baking pans can result in brown bottoms and thicker, softer cookies.

7. You’re not following the rules

If the recipe calls for the dough to be chilled before rolling out, follow the instructions. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out.

8. You’re not using royal icing

This is the best option for a perfectly smooth consistency.

9. You’re storing your cookies warm

Make sure your cookies are perfectly cooled before storing them.

10. You’re not using an air-tight container

Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep your cookies fresh and crispy.

11. You’re trying to squeeze too many cookies on the baking tray

Cookies need room to spread naturally.

12. You’re overbaking your cookies

The Smithsonian recommends you take your cookies out a minute or two earlier than the recipe says.

  • Food
  • Christmas Recipes
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

14 genius hacks for your Christmas baking

14 genius hacks for your Christmas baking

The best gingerbread house to make with the kids this Christmas

The best gingerbread house to make with the kids this Christmas

12 best Christmas food hacks you need to try

12 best Christmas food hacks you need to try

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

Tara's handmade Christmas decorations and gifts

{headline}

{headline}

Aldi's Christmas food range has dropped and the desserts are next-level

Aldi's Christmas food range has dropped and the desserts are next-level

3 festive Christmas ham recipes

3 festive Christmas ham recipes

How to get Australia’s best ham on your table this Christmas

How to get Australia’s best ham on your table this Christmas

{headline}

{headline}

How to throw the best Christmas in July party

How to throw the best Christmas in July party

12 genius uses for food scraps

12 genius uses for food scraps

You'll want to make this fun festive food

You'll want to make this fun festive food

12 amazing gingerbread houses

12 amazing gingerbread houses

Christmas biscotti

Christmas biscotti

How to cook the perfect steak

How to cook the perfect steak

15 show-stopping salads

15 show-stopping salads

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!