I pulled a tray of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and they had all run together into one big flat sheet. My granddaughter laughed and called it a cookie pizza.
Here’s what went wrong, and how to fix it.
The Usual Causes
- The butter was too soft or melted. Butter should be soft enough to press with a finger, not shiny or greasy.
- The dough was warm. Warm dough spreads before it has time to set.
- Too little flour. Scooping flour straight from the bag can pack it, but some people go the other way and use too little. Spoon it into the cup and level it off.
- Hot baking sheets. Putting dough on a sheet that just came out of the oven starts the spreading early.
The Fixes
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use cool baking sheets. Let them cool between batches.
- Line the sheets with parchment. It helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Measure flour the right way: spoon it in and level it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the oven temperature matter?
Yes. An oven that runs cool lets cookies spread before they set. An oven thermometer helps.
Can I fix cookies that already spread?
Right out of the oven, push the edges in with a spatula while they’re soft.
Chilled dough is the simplest fix of all.
