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To keep cookies from spreading too much and turning into flat, crispy pancakes, here are the best tips:
🍪 Tips to Prevent Cookies from Spreading Too Much
1. Chill the Dough
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Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.
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Cold dough spreads slower in the oven, giving you thicker, puffier cookies.
2. Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Mat
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These surfaces give just enough grip to help cookies hold their shape—skip greasing the pan, which can make them slide and spread more.
3. Check Your Butter
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If the butter is too soft or melted, the dough will spread fast.
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Use softened, not melted butter—room temperature means it gives a slight resistance when pressed.
4. Measure Flour Correctly
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Too little flour = spreading.
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Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off—don’t scoop and pack it, or you’ll use too much.
5. Use the Right Baking Temperature
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) or even slightly higher if needed. Lower temps can make cookies spread before they set.
6. Avoid Overmixing
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Once the flour is in, mix just until combined. Overmixing can break down the dough structure and lead to spreading.
7. Try Adding a Bit More Flour
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If you notice your dough is really soft, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to help stiffen it up.