Baking cookies should be fun, but sometimes they spread out too much, making them less tasty or appealing. Don’t worry! Let’s break down some common reasons why this happens and what you can do to fix it.

Why Cookies Spread Too Much

1. Butter Temperature:

   • If your butter is too soft or melted when you mix it into the dough, your cookies may spread a lot. The best temperature for butter is around 65°F (18°C). Cookies made with melted butter can spread up to 20% more than those made with butter that’s just soft.

2. Flour Measurement:

   • Using not enough flour can also make cookies spread too much. It’s super important to measure your flour correctly. A good way to measure is by using the spoon-and-level method. Even a small change, like 1/4 cup less flour, can increase spreading by 25% or more. Professional bakers suggest using a kitchen scale—1 cup of all-purpose flour weighs about 120-130 grams.

3. Baking Soda or Powder:

   • If you add too much baking soda or baking powder, it can make your cookies rise too fast and spread out. For balanced spreading, aim for about 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of flour you use.

4. Oven Temperature:

   • Baking at a temperature that’s lower than what the recipe says can also cause cookies to spread a lot before they set. Studies show that cookies baked at 300°F (149°C) can spread up to 30% more than those baked at 375°F (190°C). To make sure your oven is the right temperature, use an oven thermometer.

How to Stop Cookies from Spreading Too Much

1. Chill the Dough:

   • Try putting your cookie dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, which can keep your cookies from spreading too much while they bake. About 50% of bakers say chilling their dough makes a big difference.

2. Add More Flour:

   • If your cookies keep spreading too much, try adding 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of flour. This small change can help your cookies keep their shape.

3. Change the Butter Ratio:

   • You might want to use half butter and half shortening, or just reduce the butter a little. Using shortening can help cookies spread 20-30% less than using butter alone.

4. Balance the Sugar:

   • Use a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar. Brown sugar has more moisture, which can also make cookies spread out more. Using a 50/50 mix can help you control how your cookies turn out.

By looking at these factors and using these tips, you can keep your cookies from spreading too much. This way, you’ll get the perfect shape, texture, and yummy taste every time! Happy baking!