I have this problem every time I make a cookies. All of the professional cookies I see they are perfectly smooth. I roll out my doll really well. I use a sticky mat or parchment paper…both have same result. I peel the dough away slowly. I've tried putting it directly on the pan and not transferring. Any tips?
I sell my cookies fyi so while these are okay I want them to be really crisp because I charge a good amount when they're done.
Thank you!
by No-Cry259
24 Comments
Is your dough chilled before you cut the cookies? Right after my dough is done mixing I like to roll out my dough to the height I want and then throw it in the fridge; if I have multiple sheets of dough, I separate the layers with plastic wrap and stack them. I then chill the dough for about 30 min before cutting out my shapes and it really helps the shapes not warp or have weird edges
Yes I second making sure your cookie dough is cold enough! When mine gets too warm it peels away like your photo. In the case your cookie does have those, you can use a microplane when the cookie is cooked and cooled to smooth out your edges! It’s been a life changer for crisps squares!!
If this happens to me, usually with cutters that have a thick cutting edge, I just pat it into the cookie lightly. Easy peasy.
I do a double chill. When I first make the dough, I separate it into four portions and roll them out to discs (not exactly as thin as they will be eventually but you definitely can do that). Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill at least four hours but overnight if I can. After that I roll them 1/2” and cut them out. The cut cookies are chilled for at least an hour before baking.
Another option you have is to use a microplane grater to flatten the edges after baking. I usually only do this for geometric shapes like rectangles or hexagons, but it can be useful for any. If you’re worried about getting into small curves and corners, go buy a brand new spindle rasp and use it only for cookies. And if you wash it, dry it in your oven because otherwise it will rust.
This happens to me when I use plastic cutters instead of metal ones. They just don’t cut as cleanly. Just pat the dough down after cutting.
Make sure your dough is chilled, gently wiggle the cutter before removing it, and before popping the cookie out of the cutter onto the tray you run your finger along the edge of the cutter. That helps to remove those little pieces of dough hanging on the edges.
Agreeing with others about chilled dough. Before I cut my cookies out I put my rolled dough in the freezer (preferably overnight or a few hours). After I cut out the cookies I put them back in the freezer for about 10 minutes then pat all around the edges before baking.
I had to do a double take. I thought the shape was a gingerbread person without arms. Then I realized it was a bunny. I think.
I actually use a potato peeler on mine. Its a very precise tool and gets where microplane graters can’t go.
Freeze them 20 minutes before baking and put them straight from the freezer to the hot oven. It really helps with spread.
I often bake cookies when it’s -30 because it’s so easy to freeze them good before baking.
Thanks everybody! I’ll be chillin from now on!
Not a baker, but I have done some amateur woodworking.
Have you tried a belt sander?
Use the same cookie cutter after they’re cooked
Chill your dough, when it starts getting soft like this— throw it back in the fridge.
Always chill your dough. They pop out of the cutter much smoother.
why do your gingerbread men not have arms
As another commented, guessing it’s a plastic cookie cutter, try a metal one and post the results
I pat all my edges.
Peeps bunnies😍
the cutter is not making a clean cut through. when you push down twist the cutter slightly back and forth. my dough is firm enough that i can flip it and inspect the bottom, and if there are strays, i can run my finger or spatula over the edges to clean it off
“why is she making armless gingerbread men..?” – me to myself 30 seconds ago before realizing they were obviously bunnies.
Keep the flaky edges! If we make everything too perfect, it no longer seems real.
the dough may just be sticking to the cutter. flour the cutter in between each cut