Cookies

Cookie Facts

koekje “cookie” in Dutch meaning little cake used to test oven temperature

Kinds of Cookies Rolled Drop Bar Refrigerator Pressed Molded

Rolled Cookie sugar cookies

Drop Cookies Oatmeal Raisin

Cookie Textures Crisp cookies - made from a stiff dough with very little liquid in the batter and a high ratio of sugar Crisp cookies spread more than other cookies in the baking process They dry faster because they are thin

Soft cookies - contain low amounts of fat and sugar and high proportion of liquid, such as egg. Corn syrup is used and retains moisture, providing the soft texture. When done baking, they will have light brown bottom and sides

Chewy - High ratio of eggs, sugar, and liquid, but a small amount of fat. The gluten in the flour must develop during the mixing stage. Gluten provides the stretch and flexibility to the cookie giving it the chewy characteristic.

Cookie ingredients

Flour Provides structure All purpose or pastry flour is best

Sugar Sweetness Granulated sugar will provide proper spread Powdered sugar will spread less

Leavening agents Baking soda relaxes the gluten so the cookie will spread more

Fat Such as shortening or butter Create texture, add flavor, and add calories

Liquid Eggs Add nutritional value Will cause the cookies to spread

Flavorings and Seasonings Extracts, salt, nuts are examples of the flavorings and seasonings used in cookies.

Mixing method

Mixing Cookies The creaming method of mixing is the most common way for mixing cookie dough. Air is beaten into the sugar and fat cells making a light mixture as the cookies bake

Baking Cookies Bake on flat, shiny, cool baking sheets Avoid dark pans (dark pans absorb heat and will cause the cookies to burn) Warm pans will cause the cookies to spread

Storing Cookies Crisp cookies - store in a container with a loose fitting cover Soft cookies - store in a container with a tight fitting lid Bar cookies - store in the baking pan

Freezing Cookies/Dough For longer storage cookies can be frozen. Many cookies freeze well in both the baked and dough form.