How do you make cookies soft?

Here's a guide to making soft and chewy cookies, broken down into sections:

Ingredients and Techniques:

* Butter: Use softened, not melted, butter. This creates a softer texture.

* Sugar: Use both granulated and brown sugar. Brown sugar is moister and contributes to chewiness.

* Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature. They add moisture and structure.

* Flour: Use all-purpose flour, and don't overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.

* Baking Soda: This helps cookies rise and creates a soft texture.

* Chilling the Dough: This allows the butter to solidify, resulting in a less spread cookie and a softer texture. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

* Baking Time: Don't overbake. Cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

Additional Tips:

* Add a Little Liquid: A tablespoon or two of milk, buttermilk, or even a splash of coffee can add moisture and soften cookies.

* Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures evenly sized cookies and consistent baking.

* Bake on a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.

Troubleshooting:

* If Cookies Are Too Crispy:

* Reduce baking time by a few minutes.

* Use less flour or add a bit more liquid.

* If Cookies Are Too Flat:

* Chill the dough longer.

* Don't overmix the dough.

* If Cookies Spread Too Much:

* Use a higher proportion of butter to flour.

* Chill the dough longer.

* If Cookies Are Dry and Crumbly:

* Add more brown sugar or a little bit of liquid.

Recipes for Soft Cookies:

* Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: [link to a good chocolate chip cookie recipe]

* Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: [link to a good oatmeal raisin cookie recipe]

* Snickerdoodles: [link to a good snickerdoodle cookie recipe]

Remember, baking is a bit of an art, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!