How do you dry up runny cookie dough?

It's tricky to "dry up" runny cookie dough once it's already made. Here's why:

* Runny dough is usually due to too much moisture. This can come from using too much liquid ingredients (like eggs, milk, or melted butter) or using ingredients that have a higher water content (like fresh fruit).

* Adding more flour is the most common attempt to fix runny dough, but it's not always the best solution. This can make the cookies tough and dry.

Here's a better approach to dealing with runny cookie dough:

1. Identify the cause: Look at your recipe and the ingredients you used. Was there too much liquid, or did you use something that added extra moisture?

2. Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, will help the flour absorb excess moisture and firm up the dough.

3. Scoop generous portions: When you bake, scoop out larger portions of dough to ensure the cookies spread less.

4. Adjust the recipe next time: If your recipe consistently produces runny dough, consider adjusting the liquid ingredients or using a different type of flour (like all-purpose instead of cake flour).

Important Notes:

* Don't over-mix: Mixing the dough too much can also make it runny.

* Be patient: Sometimes, a little runny dough just means you need to be extra careful when baking.

If you are still struggling with runny dough, consider these options:

* Use a cookie scoop: This will help you make evenly sized cookies and reduce spreading.

* Bake on parchment paper or silicone mats: These will help prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan.

* Add a little cornstarch: A teaspoon or two of cornstarch can help absorb excess moisture.

Remember, even runny cookies can be delicious! Enjoy the process and experiment to find what works best for you.