Bake Better Cookies from Scratch: 8 Tricks I Wish I Knew Sooner
Bake better cookies from scratch with these 8 must-know tricks! Avoid common mistakes, learn what tools you really need, and level up your homemade cookies.
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of warm, homemade cookies from the oven. But if you’ve ever had cookies turn out too flat, too hard, or just plain disappointing—you’re not alone. I’ve burned edges, undercooked middles, and squished dough that should’ve been left alone. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few game-changing tips that finally made my cookie game strong.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want to fill the kitchen with the smell of something sweet, here are 8 simple but powerful tips to help you bake better cookies from scratch.
Common Cookie Baking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
It doesn’t take a fancy kitchen or a culinary degree to make great cookies—but there are a few pitfalls that can sabotage even a well-tested recipe. Whether it’s dough that spreads too much or cookies that come out dry, small missteps add up fast. These simple fixes will help you avoid the most common cookie problems and start baking with more confidence.
Skip the Cooking Spray—Trust the Recipe
If the recipe doesn’t call for greasing the pan, don’t do it. Adding extra grease can make cookies spread too much and burn around the edges. If you’re nervous about sticking, go with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—they’ll keep things tidy without throwing off your dough.
But When It Says Grease, Do It Right
Some recipes do want a greased sheet—but that doesn’t mean a blast of aerosol spray. Instead, rub a thin layer of shortening or butter onto the pan with a paper towel or cloth. This gives you just enough coverage without soaking the bottom of your cookies in oil.
Give Your Oven Time to Actually Preheat
Just because the oven beeps doesn’t mean it’s really ready. Let it sit for an extra 10–15 minutes after it preheats, and use an oven thermometer to double-check accuracy. Most ovens run hot or cold—especially older ones—and cookies are picky about temperature.
One Tray at a Time Is Worth the Wait
Sure, baking multiple trays at once saves time, but it also leads to uneven baking. Heat flows differently with stacked pans, and you may end up with crispy bottoms and underdone middles. For the best results, bake one tray at a time and let your pans cool completely between batches.
Use the Right Sheet—This One’s Not It
Those rimmed pans you use for roasting vegetables? Not ideal for cookies. They’re technically jelly roll pans, and those sides block airflow, leading to uneven baking.
What you want is a true cookie sheet—flat, no sides, with even heat distribution. I use this one from Farberware, and it’s hands-down the best I’ve ever tried.
Don’t Crowd the Dough
Give your cookies space to spread. Unless the recipe says otherwise, leave 1½ to 2 inches between scoops. It may take a few more batches to get through the dough, but the results are worth it—no sticking together or misshapen blobs.
Size Matters More Than You Think
If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, don’t wing it with a random spoon. Baking time and temperature depend on the size of the dough balls. Undersized cookies can burn. Oversized ones might end up raw inside. Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent results.
Stop Squishing the Dough
Unless you’re making peanut butter cookies with the classic fork criss-cross, there’s usually no reason to press down cookie dough. Let it hold its shape on the pan. Pressing flattens the cookie and can make the interior dense instead of chewy.
Favorite Homemade Cookie Recipes to Try Next
Need some inspiration for your next baking day? These are a few of my go-to recipes:
- Heavenly Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies – scroll to the bottom of the post!
- Ginger Snaps with Harvest Pumpkin Dip
- Simple Sugar Cookies with Rainbow Icing
- Rolled Oat Sandwich Cookies with Caramel Apple Frosting
- Chewy Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Icing
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Regular & GF)
- Shortbread Pinwheel Cookies
Your Cookie Questions, Answered
Pin these cookie baking tips so you never waste another batch!
Whether you’re prepping for cookie swaps or just sneaking dough straight from the bowl, these tricks will help you level up your baking without buying fancy tools or overcomplicating things. The best part? Once you know the basics, every batch gets easier.
Want to keep these tips handy? Grab my printable Cookie Baking Cheat Sheet for your kitchen binder.