Make the shaped log of dough uniform so the cookies will be all the same size when they are sliced. Use a ruler to verify the size of the log given in the recipes.
Make sure the shaped dough is thoroughly chilled before attempting to cut it. Otherwise the dough will compress and lose its shape and the resulting cookies will not look neat.
Slice the cookies to the thickness specified in the recipe. If necessary, use a ruler and mark the piece of dough before you cut.
As you slice, rotate or turn the piece of dough so you aren’t starting to cut at the same place every time—this is to keep the dough from getting squashed down and distorted.
If the dough softens while you are cutting it, replace it in the refrigerator until it becomes firm again before continuing.
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