How To Make Cookies Soft And Chewy

Sharing simple tips to help you avoid hard and crunchy cookies.

"Why aren't my cookies soft and chewy?" is a question I hear often. When you prefer your cookies to be soft and chewy, it can be disappointing when they turn out hard and crispy.

Here are some simple suggestions to help you make sure your homemade cookies turn out soft and chewy every time:

Pay Close Attention to Baking Time
Cookies are small and bake quickly, so just an extra minute in the oven can take your cookies from soft and chewy to crispy. Cookies also continue to cook once they are removed from the oven (because of the heat left in the cookies and on the baking sheet). Be sure to pull your sheet of cookies from the oven when they are just lightly golden around the edges, but still soft appearing on top. Let them cool for several minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Measure Flour Carefully
Cookies with too much flour can turn out hard, so be sure to measure your flour accurately. Flour settles in the bag/canister, so it should be fluffed up with a spoon or whish before you measure it. Don't pack flour into your measuring cup. Gently scoop it or spoon it into the measuring cup and then level off the extra flour by sliding the flat side of a knife or spatula across the top of the cup.
Consider Your Sweetener
The type of sugar or sweetener will make a big difference in the texture of your cookies. Cookies made with white sugar will be crispier and crunchier while those made with brown sugar, molasses, honey, or a little bit of corn syrup will tend to be chewier and softer. If you like soft and chewy cookies, make sure you use a recipe with one of these sweeteners.
Chill the Cookie Dough
Warm, soft cookie dough will spread more while baking and this results in flatter, crisper cookies. For thicker, chewier cookies, be sure to thoroughly chill your dough in the refrigerator before using it to bake your cookies.
Store Your Cookies Properly
Proper storage is important for maintaining a cookie's soft and chewy texture. Soft cookies must be stored in an airtight container once they are cool. Don't store them before they are completely cool or they wil become sticky and soggy. Yuck, nobody likes soggy cookies! Place a slice of bread, or piece of apple, with your cookies in the the container to keep them soft and chewy. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread/apple so they stay softer longer.

How to Store Your Cookies to Keep Them Soft