What Not to Do with Cookies: Simple Mistakes to Skip

If you’ve ever pulled a tray of flat, hard, or oddly crumbly cookies from the oven, you’re not alone. Most of those glitches come from a handful of easy‑to‑avoid habits. Below we break down the top things you should stop doing, so your next batch turns out soft, chewy, and perfectly shaped.

Don’t Overbake or Underbake

Timing is everything. Leaving cookies in the oven for a minute too long can dry them out, while pulling them out too early makes them fall apart. Use the timer, then watch the edges. They should be lightly golden and the centers still look a bit soft. Remember that cookies continue to bake on the hot tray for a couple of minutes after you take them out.

Avoid Skipping the Chill (When It Matters)

Chilling dough isn’t a myth—it really helps. Resting the dough for at least 30 minutes lets the flour hydrate and the butter firm up. The result? Cookies keep their shape, spread less, and develop richer flavor. If you’re in a hurry, at least cool the dough for 15 minutes; it’s better than nothing.

Another common misstep is using the wrong type of sugar. All‑white sugar makes cookies crisp, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. Mixing both gives you a balanced texture. If a recipe calls for brown sugar and you replace it with white, expect a drier bite.

Don’t forget to measure flour correctly. Scooping straight from the bag packs it down, leading to dense cookies. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This simple habit can mean the difference between a light, airy crumb and a heavy brick.

Salt is often overlooked, but a pinch lifts flavor and balances sweetness. Skipping it leaves the cookie taste flat. Even if your butter is salted, add a little extra to hit the right note.

Watch your mixing technique. Over‑mixing after adding flour develops gluten, making cookies tough. Mix just until the flour disappears, then stop. The dough should look slightly shaggy, not smooth and elastic.

Finally, don’t crowd the baking sheet. Giving each cookie enough space (about 2 inches apart) lets heat circulate evenly. When cookies touch, they spread into each other and lose shape.

By fixing these habits, you’ll see a noticeable upgrade in texture, flavor, and overall appearance. Your friends and family will wonder what secret you’ve discovered—just share these simple rules and keep the cookie love flowing.

Ready to put these tips into practice? Grab your favorite recipe, check each step against the list, and bake with confidence. Happy cookie making!