Cookies 42

Objective Summarize factors that contribute to cookie quality.

What Makes a Good Cookie? Cookies come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, and textures It is important to know how various ingredients and methods influence the attributes of a cookie

Flavor The flavor of cookies is primarily determined by the quality of the ingredients used continued

Flavor Choose high-quality ingredients that are fresh Follow recipes carefully and measure ingredients exactly

Texture Ingredients are the most important factor in achieving a particular texture in cookies High-gluten flour can make cookies tough Crisper cookies generally have a larger proportion of sugar Softer cookies contain more fat and moisture Chewy cookies have a higher amount of sugar combined with moisture, as well as more eggs continued

Texture Mixing and baking procedures also affect a cookie’s texture Overmixing the dough develops too much gluten creating a tough cookie Baking too long or at a temperature that is too high usually results in a dry, hard cookie

Appearance Cookies should be uniform in shape and size with an attractive appearance continued

Appearance Bake cookies at the proper temperature for the appropriate time to achieve proper color Cookies can be uniformly decorated by applying icing, nuts, sanding sugar, or confections

Objective Explain the two most common methods for mixing cookie dough.

Mixing Methods Two common methods for making cookie dough include one-stage method creaming method

One-Stage Method Place all the ingredients into the bowl and mix Mix for two to three minutes at moderate speed Overmixing can result in tough dough

Creaming Method First the butter or shortening is mixed with the sugar and spices until smooth Next, eggs and liquids are incorporated Then, flour and leavening agent are added Gluten is less likely to overdevelop using the creaming method because the flour is added last

Objective Recall common methods for forming cookies.

Forming Methods Cookies can be classified by the method used to form the cookie Each technique creates a uniquely shaped cookie

Drop Cookies Use a portion scoop to create equal-sized drop cookies When portioning, allow enough space between the drops of dough to allow the cookies to spread during baking continued

Drop Cookies Chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies are often made using the drop method

Rolled Cookies Rolled cookies are transferred to a sheet pan and baked after being cut into the desired shapes continued

Rolled Cookies After cutting, these cookies are often decorated with sanding sugar and confections before baking Are especially popular for holidays and special occasions because of the limitless shape possibilities continued

Rolled Cookies After baking they may be decorated with fondant or other icings

Spritz (Pressed) Cookies Some bakeshops use a special cookie press to make spritz cookies The dough is pressed through a specially shaped die to create specific shapes

Sheet Cookies Brownies are popular sheet cookies continued

Sheet Cookies The entire sheet pan is baked and later the sheet is cut into individual cookies This method of forming cookies saves labor Multilayered cookies can be created using this method

Icebox Cookies When making icebox cookies, the shaped dough is wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerated When fully chilled, the dough is firm and can be sliced into individual cookies continued

Icebox Cookies This technique makes it possible to create effects such as checkerboard or pinwheels

Bar Cookies Biscotti are an example of a popular bar cookie continued

Bar Cookies After shaping the dough into a log, it is flattened and baked While it is still warm, the cooked log is sliced into one-inch (2 cm) segments to form cookies The cookies are baked a second time to create a hard texture

Review What elements are considered when judging the quality of cookies? Flavor Texture Appearance continued

Review What determines the flavor of cookies? Quality of ingredients Proportion of ingredients continued

Review What factors impact the texture of cookies? Ingredients Mixing and baking procedures continued

Review What gives cookies an appealing appearance? Uniform size and shape Proper baking temperature and time Uniform decoration continued

Review Describe the one-stage method for mixing cookie dough Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix continued

Review Describe the creaming method for mixing cookie dough Mix butter or shortening with sugar and spices until smooth Add eggs and liquids and mix until incorporated Add flour and leavening agent and blend continued

Review Name the methods used for forming cookies Drop Rolled Spritz Sheet Icebox Bar