Golden Rules of Cookie Baking

Weigh or measure ingredients carefully for consistent flavor and texture.

Use the ingredients specified in the recipe. For more details, see the Ingredients chapter.

Make cookies the same size, shape, and thickness in each batch so that they bake evenly, and arrange them at regular intervals on the baking sheet. (Do not leave large, empty spaces.)

Cookies require flat baking sheets without sides for even heating and air circulation, but an inverted 17¼ by 12¼ by 1 inch half sheet pan will work equally well. Use shiny heavy-gauge aluminum cookie sheets, not darkened ones, so the cookies will brown evenly and not excessively.