Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION:
Why did my cookies spread out like pancakes?
Why are my chocolate chip cookies spreading all over the baking pan. This does not happen all the time. I have been using the same recipe for years. This year the cookies spread like pancakes. Very, very frustrating and wasteful, please advise. Thank you.
ANSWER:
Regardless of how many times a cookie recipe is used with success, there are times when it can unexpectedly fail. The following reasons can contribute to cookies that spread too much and end up being flat:
- The baking temperature may be too low. (An oven thermometer really is an absolute necessity in every kitchen.)
- Too much sugar, fat, or leavening will cause cookies to spread. (A mistake in ingredient measurements can happen to the best cook.)
- Greasing the cookie sheet when it isn't necessary can cause cookies to spread too much, this is especially true with nonstick cookie sheets.
- The cookie sheet is too warm (always allow them to cool before baking more cookies).
As a preventative measure, you might try chilling the cookie dough before forming and baking the cookies.
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