Why do you chill cookie dough?

1. Prevents Spreading:

* When cookie dough is warm, the butter is soft and melty. This makes the cookies spread out too much during baking, resulting in thin, flat cookies.

* Chilling allows the butter to solidify again, making the dough firm. This helps the cookies hold their shape and rise properly.

2. Develops Flavor:

* Chilling allows the flavors in the dough to meld and deepen. This is especially true for ingredients like vanilla extract and spices.

3. Makes Handling Easier:

* Cold dough is much easier to work with. It's less sticky and holds its shape better, making it simpler to scoop, roll, and cut.

4. Improves Texture:

* Chilling helps create a more chewy texture in the cookies. This is because the gluten in the dough has more time to relax and develop.

5. Makes Baking More Efficient:

* Pre-chilled dough can be scooped and placed directly on baking sheets, saving time and effort.

How long to chill:

* The ideal chilling time depends on the recipe, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Tips for chilling:

* Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

* Place the dough in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

* For quicker chilling, you can flatten the dough into a disc or log shape.

By chilling cookie dough, you can ensure that your cookies bake up beautifully, with a delicious flavor and the perfect texture.