My 23rd blog:

Bake It with Love: Crisp, Chewy, and a Gift for Mom

 

In my previous blog, I shared a glimpse into my baking journey—a passion that began with cookies and a lifelong love for sweets. True to my word, I won’t keep you waiting. Today, I’m diving straight into tips for achieving the perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy centers in your cookies.

 

Of course, everyone has their own preferences—after all, different strokes for different folks. But personally, I adore cookies that deliver a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying irresistibly soft in the middle. So, my tips will focus on helping you achieve that ideal texture.

 

And for those kids out there wondering what to give their moms on Mother’s Day, why not express your love through baking? A batch of homemade cookies, served on a platter filled with warmth, tenderness, and passion, is a heartfelt way to show appreciation.

 

Let’s get baking!

 ,

My tips:

For the best cookie texture, use a combination of brown sugar and white sugar. White sugar helps create crisp edges, while brown sugar contributes to tenderness. Thanks to its molasses content, brown sugar also adds moisture and chewiness.

 

When it comes to fat, butter is preferable to shortening—it spreads more, resulting in thinner, crispier cookies. Plus, butter has an undeniably richer flavor compared to shortening, margarine, or butter compounds. However, to prevent excessive spreading, I chill my cookie dough for at least 2 to 24 hours before baking. This step not only maintains a chewy center but also ensures the ingredients meld beautifully, leading to a more flavorful cookie.

 

For mixing, use the creaming method to incorporate butter and sugar. Cream them together for 3 to 5 minutes using a handheld or stand mixer—or even a KitchenAid—at medium speed. This process helps aerate the dough, giving the cookies a lighter texture.

 

When selecting chocolate, I typically use Beryl’s dark (semi-sweet or dark chocolate inside the cookie). For toppings, I prefer Hershey’s or Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips. While Callebaut, a premium Belgian chocolate, is revered for its quality, some bakers note that its callets contain more fat than standard chocolate chips, which can cause cookies to spread excessively. Additionally, they aren’t always bake-stable—unlike traditional chocolate chips that hold their shape, Callebaut callets tend to melt into the dough, affecting texture.

 

Regarding nuts, I used to love adding macadamia nuts, but I recently learned they may not be the healthiest option—especially for individuals over 50. Instead, I focus on four healthier alternatives: ✔ Brazil nuts (limit to no more than 2 pieces per day) ✔ Walnuts ✔ Almonds ✔ Pistachios Prioritizing these nuts may be a better choice for overall health.

 

Finally, bake cookies at 350°F, as this temperature helps produce softer, perfectly baked treats.

 

Additional Tips for Keeping Cookies Fresh

    

Store cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out,  Place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from it.  If cookies become stale, microwave them with a damp paper towel for a few seconds to revive their texture.

 

And there you have it, folks—my tried-and-true methods for baking the perfect cookies! It’s no secret that cookies bring joy to people of all ages, so why not take the leap and create your own labor of love.  A homemade batch, crafted with care, has the power to do more than satisfy a sweet tooth—it can warm hearts, spark smiles, and become a cherished memory. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let your baking be a love language of its own!