Tuesday Tips: It's Cookie Season


Hey Reader,

With just a few weeks until Christmas, your kitchen, like mine, is probably about to get very busy!

Whether you're baking for parties, gifts, or just because December demands cookies, these tips will help you get consistent, delicious results every time.

✨ Tip #1: Chill Your Dough (Yes, Really)

I know you're in a hurry, but 30 minutes in the fridge makes a huge difference:

  • Prevents spreading – Cold butter = cookies that hold their shape
  • Deeper flavor – Gives flour time to hydrate fully
  • Better texture – More structured, chewier cookies

Pro move: Make dough today, bake tomorrow. The flavor actually improves overnight!

Try it with: Pecan Snowball Cookies


🎯 Tip #2: Bring Butter to the Right Temperature

Room temperature means 65-68°F – cool enough to hold a fingerprint, but not squishy.

Too warm = flat, greasy cookies
Too cold = won't incorporate, leading to dense results

Quick fix: Cut cold butter into small cubes and let sit 15-20 minutes.

See it in action: Classic Shortbread Cookies


🎨 Tip #3: Decorating Doesn't Have to Take Hours

Keep it simple and still impressive:

  • Drizzle melted chocolate with a fork (looks fancy, takes 30 seconds)
  • Dust with powdered sugar right before serving
  • Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate, add sprinkles
  • Press a single candy or nut into the center before baking

Remember: Homemade always beats perfect. Your family will love whatever you make!

Beautiful & easy: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Next Week: Tips on packing and sending cookies

Happy Baking!

Cheryl

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If you ever make any of my recipes, I'd really appreciate it if you'd leave a comment and a star rating! Your feedback helps me create even better recipes and helps others discover them too! Thanks so much for your support!

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Bakes by Brown Sugar

Hello! I'm Cheryl, the professional home baker, recipe developer, and photographer behind Bakes by Brown Sugar. My mission is for you to bake with confidence, have fun, and enjoy sweet success - time and time again! Whether you're new to baking or you've been baking for years, I'll show you how to turn simple ingredients into amazing treats with well-tested recipes, and helpful detailed instructions. You'll find the inspiration you need to bake with success, one recipe at a time.

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