The cookies you bake always turn out too hard What can do to make them chewy?

Ah, the struggle of a hard cookie! It's a common problem, but don't fret. Here's a breakdown of the culprits and solutions to get those chewy, irresistible cookies:

The Usual Suspects:

* Over-mixing: Mixing dough too long develops gluten, resulting in a tough cookie. Aim for just combined.

* Too much flour: More flour means more structure, less chew. Use the recipe's measurement, don't pack it in.

* Not enough fat: Fat adds moisture and tenderness. Double-check your recipe, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter, or use a higher-fat butter (like European-style).

* High baking temperature: Too hot an oven bakes the cookies too quickly, leading to a dry, hard center.

* Over-baking: This is a classic mistake. Set a timer and check early! Cookies are done when edges are golden and centers are just set.

Chewy Cookie Strategies:

1. Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge. Don't scoop from the bag!

2. Mix with care: Combine dry and wet ingredients separately, then gently fold them together until just combined. Don't overmix!

3. Boost moisture:

* Brown sugar: It has more moisture than granulated, so use a blend or mostly brown.

* Eggs: Use large eggs for maximum moisture.

* Extra fat: Increase the butter by 1 tablespoon, or consider a higher-fat butter like European-style.

4. Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a chewier cookie.

5. Bake accurately:

* Use a cookie sheet: Metal sheets distribute heat evenly.

* Don't crowd the pan: Cookies need space to bake evenly.

* Check early: Set a timer for a few minutes less than the recipe suggests. Cookies should be set, but still slightly soft in the center.

Other Tips:

* Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes for even baking.

* Rotate the pan: Halfway through baking, swap the top and bottom racks to ensure even browning.

* Let cool on the sheet: This allows them to firm up without becoming too crunchy.

Experiment!

The best way to find your perfect chewy cookie is to experiment. Start with the tips above and adjust as needed. Enjoy the journey to chewy cookie perfection!