Cooking made us humans. For most of human history, cooking over the fire was the only way to prepare a meal. According to statistics, over 3 billion people globally still cook over the fire. But guess what? Cooking over the fire hasn’t stopped either in this new generation. 

Heston Blumenthal is the pioneer of multi-sensory cooking, flavor encapsulation, and food pairing. His presence to the public was felt when he came out with unusual recipes, such as bacon and egg ice cream and snail porridge. He is the face behind Everdure. 

Cook Over Fire: Everdure Charcoal Grills 

1. 4K

The 4K is a prime outdoor grill, smoker, and oven that allows flawless grilling results. It has touch glass controls, Fast Flame Ignition^TM, and a food temperature display. Additionally,  the 4K has internal lights for night cooking and unique airflow control, which guarantees simple temperature control. It has a cool-to-touch exterior with a double-walled heat-insulated body, which shields the outside from reaching extreme temperatures while retaining all generated heat. It also comes with everything you need: 4 x temperature probes, 1 x grill grabber, 1 x water container, 2 x cast iron grills, 1 x grill probe clip, 1 x pizza stone, 1 x charcoal tongs, and 2 x stainless steel grills. 

2. HUB II

Do you want the ultimate charcoal experience with enhanced control? Try Everdure’s HUB II. This grill is the ultimate outdoor grilling entertainer with a cooking capacity of 506.9in2. The HUB II incorporates the HUB’s impressive power and grilling capabilities with enhanced additional automated touch controls and premium titanium finishings. The HUB II is designed with larger gatherings in mind. It allows you to show off your grilling and entertaining skills. Embers. Flames. Heat. HUB II has an authentic charcoal grilling experience. 

The HUB II is safe and easy for charcoal reloading, has a one-touch built-in rotisserie system, a Fast Flame Ignition^TM system, and has convenient built-in storage. 

3. FUSION

Are you looking for a virtually effortless authentic charcoal grilled taste? The FUSION is your #1 solution. You will enjoy an unbeatable charcoal grilling experience with a cooking capacity of 284in2. Its simplicity makes it efficient for both newbies and pros to use it. The FUSION has a bold yet slender design. This BBQ is equipped with a hinged grill making charcoal reloading convenient and straightforward. It also has a built-in rotisserie system, powered by a discrete motor with manual multi-level height adjustment. It has a Fast Flame Ignition^TM system and can be used away from home, as you can lift the grill off its stand and place it on any surface with its freestanding legs. 

4. CUBE

The CUBE is a convenient and portable charcoal Everdure grill. It is designed for impromptu grilling away from home. It has an integrated food-grade storage tray, bamboo preparation board, and porcelain enamel firebox, making it easy to store your food and tools, set up, cook, and clean responsibly. It also features chrome handles, which keep external heat to a minimum, making it easy to move while cooking. The CUBE has a cooking capacity of 103.9in2. There is an optional Travel Bag that is designed to protect the CUBE. It features a versatile storage compartment and contains a drawstring bag to store used dishes. For more information watch this video. 

Benefits Of Cooking Over Fire With Everdure’s Grills 

• Flavor – Having your food or meat over the grill for a longer time helps it absorb all the smoke-flavored aroma.
• Portability – Two of Everdure’s charcoal grills, the CUBE, and the FUSION, are portable; therefore, they can be easily maneuvered around. The HUB II and HUB have two lockable wheels, allowing for easy movement as well. 
• Easy Maintenance – Everdure’s grills are easy to clean and maintain. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best experience cooking over the fire, Everdure is the way to go. The 4K, HUB II, HUB, FUSION, and CUBE will give you the best charcoal experience. Everdure’s range of grills and accessories are available in New Zealand, Europe, the USA, Canada, South Africa, and Asia. 

Check our Everdure’s charcoal range here. 

You can also check out for more information on Amazon. 

Few things in life are as enjoyable as reeling in a big fish, whether it’s a trout on the river or yellowtail off the coast. While most anglers simply enjoy the thrill and toss their catch back into the water, the most satisfaction comes when you get to eat a freshly caught fish.

When you catch smaller fish, it’s almost never worth it to fillet them. Scaling them and cooking them whole is the way to go. 

But learning to filet a fish is important if you plan to bring home larger species of fish. Cooking up a filet of salmon, tuna, trout, or any number of saltwater species is a valuable skill to have.

Keep reading below to learn how to filet a fish with ease so that you can cook and enjoy fresh fish more often. 

Get the Right Gear

The first and most important step to filet a fish is to buy the right gear for the job. The most important is a proper filet knife. You cannot use any other type of knife unless you want to do a terrible job and put for fingers at risk.

Fillet knives have elongated blades. They are curved. And they are very thin, make sure they can bend and maneuver around fish bones with ease.

They also have to be extremely sharp, in order to cut through the flesh without having to push too hard. This keeps your filets in good condition, without having to saw back and forth and mess up your filet. 

Most fishermen who like to cook their catch will buy a knife set that has different sized-blades for different sized fish. 

Aside from a quality knife or two, you’ll want good cutting boards. You can descale a fish using any number of kitchen utensils, like a spoon or the back of the knife. But spending a couple of bucks on a fish descaler is worth it.

Or, if you cook a lot of fish, investing in an electric fish descaler will be one of the best investments you make. You can remove all of the scales in seconds with minimal effort. 

If you plan to freeze some of your fillets for later, you’ll want to have a vacuum sealer. These are quite affordable and will seal each fillet in plastic, sucking out all air and excess moisture. 

Prep the Fish After Catching It

Let’s rewind a bit. If you want your fish to taste good, you need to handle it properly from the moment you catch it. First off, it’s best to kill the fish right away, as opposed to letting it suffocate in the cooler.

Killing it quickly will stop adrenaline from surging throughout the fish, which can affect the quality of the meat.

You also want to bleed the fish right away to keep the blood out of the meat while you finish your day of fishing. To bleed the fish, just insert a small, sharp knife under the gill plate and make a cutting motion. Also, pull the head back to snap the spinal cord. 

Place the fish into the water to let the blood drain out, either in a catch well, cooler, or on a stringer in the lake. 

By removing the blood now, filleting a fish later will be much cleaner and easier. 

Gut the Fish

You need to remove the fish’s cuts before you start filleting the fish. Otherwise, you run the risk of bursting the stomach and spilling its contents on your fresh meat.

You can either gut the fish in the water after you catch it, or do it at home before filleting it.

To remove the guts, insert a sharp knife on the bottom of the fish, right at the tail. Slide it along the body towards the head.

Stick your hand inside to pull out the entrails in one strong swipe motion and toss them into the trash. Rinse out the cavity to remove any other remains. 

Learning to Fillet a Fish

With blood drained, scales taken off, and guts removed, you’re ready to fillet your fish and get it ready to cook. 

The easiest way to fillet a fish is to start by inserting your knife under the fin (just behind the gills). Cut in at an angle to get through the meat, but don’t go too far that you cut into the ribcage.

With the knife inserted, turn it and start moving it away from the head and towards the tail. The goal is to cut as close to the bone as you can to get the most meat. 

So use the ribcage as a guide for your knife. Just follow the bones as you make your way to the tail.

Before you completely sever the fillet from the body, remove the knife. If you want to remove the skin from the fillet, now is the time to do it. 

Flip the fillet so that the skin is down against the cutting board, but still attached to the body. Starting from the tail, gently insert your knife between the meat and the skin, and slide it across to separate the fillet from the skin.

Turn the fish over and repeat the process for the other fillet. 

It takes practice to efficiently remove fillets without damaging them. It’s also quite a bit different from smaller fish to larger fish. 

Removing Bones from Your Fillet

Regardless of how good your filleting skills are, you’re going to be left with the pin bones running through the center of your meat.

Some people will use sturdy tweezers to pull them out before cooking. Others will make an additional cut, cutting out the long section of bones.

On smaller fish, the bones soften while cooking and you might not mind eating them, or at least picking them out of your teeth. 

Catch and Cook Today

It’s not that hard to fillet a fish. Like almost any skill, it’s one that needs to be practiced before it becomes second nature.

After a few fish, though, you’ll discover the fastest way to filet a fish for your preferred species.

Looking for more cooking tips like this? Head over to our blog now to keep reading. 

With restaurant prices set to soar by 6.5% this year, now’s a great time to learn how to cook your favorite meals at home. The good news is that it’s easier than you think to prepare most dishes, including seafood, by yourself.

Are you unsure about where to get started? Crab legs are one of the easiest types of seafood to prepare. 

Read our crab legs cooking guide and discover how to cook crab legs every which way you can. 

The Best Seasoning for Crab Legs

Every recipe for crabs’ legs depends on good seasoning to make it ‘pop’. You can mix the following ingredients to make your own: 

• 1 Tablespoon of celery salt
• ¼ of a Teaspoon of paprika
• 1/8 of a Teaspoon each of black pepper and cayenne pepper
• 1 Pinch each of ground dry mustard, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, cloves, and ginger
• 1 Pinch of ground mace or nutmeg

You can store the seasoning in a sealed container and use it for all your favorite seafood dishes. 

Cooking Crab Legs in a Steamer

If you’re not using a slow cooker, the best crab legs cooking advice is to cook crab legs as quickly as possible. Steaming crab legs is one of the easiest ways to do this. 

Step one is filling a large pot with water and placing a steamer basket above it. Bring the water to a boil and place the crab legs in the basket.

Steam the crab legs for five to seven minutes and serve them with lemon wedges and seafood seasoning of your choice. 

How to Cook Crab Legs in the Oven

Preheat your oven’s broiler. In the meantime, place the crab legs on a baking sheet, and brush them with olive oil or melted butter. 

Place the tray between six and eight inches beneath the broiler and cook the crab legs for three to four minutes per side. Serve them with melted butter, seasoning, and lemon wedges.  

Boiling Crab Legs

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of salt. Then submerge the crab legs in the water and simmer them for 5 minutes. 

Remove the crab legs, pat them dry and serve with seasoning, melted butter, and lemon wedges.  

How to Cook Crab Legs in a Slow Cooker

Contrary to our previous crab legs cooking tips, this crab legs recipe takes about four hours to cook. Yet, it’s still super tasty, and one of the easiest slow cooker recipes around. 

Get started by rinsing your crab legs under running water.  Then place them in your slow cooker and fill it with water until you’ve submerged the crab legs.

Melt half a stick of butter in a small bowl and add dill and garlic to taste. Pour the butter over the crab legs, place the lid on the slow cooker and turn it up to high.

Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges and melted butter. 

Explore the World of Fine Cuisine

Learning how to cook crab legs means you can spoil yourself with a seafood dinner more often than if you went to a restaurant. Plus, learning to cook gourmet meals is fun, and gives you plenty of opportunities to experiment.

Get started by exploring our website for more articles to inspire your culinary journey. 

Ah, beef. One of the classic staples of the American diet that’s now at the epicenter of climate and culinary controversy. While many pro-planet chefs have beef with beef, nixing it from their menus, home cooks still adore the satiety and taste it brings to the dinner table.

So, if your dinners have been missing that special something, consider trying out one of these 6 ways to cook beef.

1. Grilling: The Best Way to Cook Beef, According to Dads

You didn’t think we’d talk about the best beef recipes without mentioning the classic staple steak, did you? With a high-quality cut of beef, you can salt it on both sides, throw it on a grill or griddle for a few minutes each, and have a delicious dinner.

Of course, you can always use careful applications of seasoning and liquor to cover up a cheaper steak as well. We won’t tell anyone.

2. Grind It up and Put It in a Burger

Have you ever tried grinding your own hamburger meat? If not, you should give it a go.

Some of the best recipes using beef call for ground beef. Burgers, meatballs, spaghetti sauces, you name it. And believe you me, there’s nothing better than fresh-ground anything, be it beef or coffee.

3. Throw It in a Stew

Ready to shake off those winter blues? Cooking a massive pot of beef stew can really warm you from the inside out. Our friends at www.recipeworkbook.com have one of the best beef stew recipes with a Texan twist we’ve ever seen. Check it out!

4. Smoke It Out

Are you a fan of ribs? Ready to go crazy for a good brisket? Then smoking might be the best way to cook beef for you. While having the proper tools can prove a bit difficult, there are workarounds. For instance, if you want to enjoy smoked, shredded beef, you can cook it down in an Instant Pot and add a dash of liquid smoke to give it that smoky flavor.

5. Savor Delicious Roast Beef

You can find some amazing holiday recipes using beef during the winter months. Something about sliced roast beef has a way of warming people up, even when they’re chilled to the bone. This makes it one of the most common ways to cook beef when your extended family comes to visit.

6. Sear It in a Pan

Common knowledge would state that you shouldn’t cook beef in a pan. Common knowledge would be absolutely wrong. Some of the most unique beef recipes for Asian-inspired cuisine involve pan-searing your beef to seal in its juices. It’s also a great way to get fajita meat on short notice!

Looking for More Interesting Ways to Cook Beef?

We hope that these 6 ways to cook beef gave you some inspiration for your menu this week. However, these are far from the only amazing recipes using beef that you can find from us. If you’re a fan of food and want to learn more ways to cook it, then check out our blog for more recipes and inspirational articles like this one!

It’s deceptively simple—the art of cooking steak. Is it something you’ve mastered?

Yes, anyone can technically cook a steak on the grill, but to get those mouthwatering, juicy steaks you love, you first need to learn a thing or two about how to cook steak.

Like any new skill, learning to cook steak is all about trial and error—plus, learning proper technique.

To find out more, here’s our guide to cooking steak on a cast iron grill—you’re sure to love the sizzle, the fun, and the flavor!

Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

What do you need to cook a steak? Other than your grill and steak, there are a few other tools to make sure you have.

The first is a meat thermometer. This is essential for checking that your meat is cooked properly, as undercooked beef can cause serious bacteria and health issues like E.coli. Don’t take the risk!

You’ll also want tongs to use when handling your beef, placing it on the grill, and turning it over while it cooks. Plus, a serving platter and tray for them to sit on while you’re firing up the grill.

If you’re going to season your steaks as they cook, make sure your spices are next to the grill and ready, so you save yourself time.

Paper towels are also a good idea, as steak juice can get everywhere! They’re an absorbent base to put on your tray and they’re ideal for cleaning up any messes. 

Decide Which Steak Is Best

What’s the best steak to grill? That’s a tough question to answer, as it often comes down to both personal preference and budget–some cuts of beef are always going to be more expensive than others.

Many experts think that ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, and Porterhouse are a few of the best, but it’s worth learning about the various types of beef cuts before deciding.

Keep in mind that some cuts of meat tend to have more fat than others—some fat is good, especially when it’s marbled, as it gives the steak more flavor and juicy deliciousness! However, when cooking steak, fat can be a bit riskier since it can cause the grill to flame up.

While some people love the taste of fat, others prefer a leaner cut. You can also cook steak with fat on it, to get that rich flavor, but then trim it off before serving.

Prepare Your Steak

Some grill aficionados will tell you that preparing your steak in advance is one of the best ways to make it taste amazing. This means seasoning or marinating it overnight, then putting it in the fridge.

However, some chefs think even longer is better, going for a 48 or 72-hour marinade to really create an amazing flavor.

There, it will soak up all of the spices and flavor of the marinade, which will make the steak taste better. You can find plenty of marinades and spice rubs at any grocery store, but it’s also not hard to make your own.

Popular steak seasonings include salt, cracked pepper, rosemary, sage, garlic, and paprika. Or, marinate your steak in your favorite barbeque or Southwestern sauce.

One important tip though–after your steak has seasoned overnight, don’t put it straight from the fridge onto the grill. You want to let the meat sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes first.

You also never want to throw a frozen steak on the grill. Otherwise, the meat won’t cook evenly and you won’t get good results.

Defrost overnight, then follow the process above and let it reach room temperature before cooking.

Fire Up the Grill

Time to fire up your all-in-one cast iron grill! Grease or oil your grates so that you can flip the steak easily, then turn on the grill and give it time to warm up.

This is an important step, as otherwise, your steak is likely to stick to the grill, which can be messy and also will pull some of the meat and fat off of the steak itself.

Wait until it’s reached its desired temperature before you start cooking anything—just like with your home oven, you need to give it time to preheat.

Move the Steak into the Grill’s Center

After the grill is hot, place your steak into the center of the grill. This is important because it allows the steak to be over the grill’s hottest part, which will help it cook both faster and more evenly.

You don’t want to throw it on the grill and walk away though, as steak will cook best if you turn it every 30 seconds. That being said, not everyone agrees and some chefs recommend only flipping once.

Over time, you’ll figure out which method works best for you. Keep an eye on your steak as it sizzles and enjoy the process—there’s not much better than the appetizing smells and sounds of a juicy piece of ribeye sizzling on the grill!

Grill to Just the Right Temperature

The million-dollar question—how long should I cook my steak? This depends on your preference—from rare to well-done, everyone likes their meat cooked differently.

As the chef, know that meat keeps cooking for a few minutes after you take it off the grill. This means if you’re aiming for medium-rare, for example, and go by looks alone, the steak is going to come out darker than you want it.

This is why it’s better to cook steak based on time. Here’s a rough guide as to how long you should cook steak, but this will vary based on the cut and size of the meat.

• Rare: 3-4 minutes each side
• Medium rare: 3 ½-5 minutes each side
• Medium: 4-7 minutes each side
• Medium-well: 8-10 minutes each side

You’ll find that a rare steak, when cut, looks red on the inside and pink around the edges. Medium rare will be pink in the middle and a pale pinkish-brown along the edges.

As for medium? It should have a light pink center and a brown edge. Medium well should have a pale pink center and brown edges.

Well-done, of course, should be brown all the way through. But if you don’t want to cut the steak in half before serving, then it’s best to go by time.

Let the Steak Rest Before Slicing

We know you’re eager to enjoy that perfect steak you’ve just cooked, but it’s best to let it sit for around 3-4 minutes first. This will actually make the steak more juicy when you do slice into it, so it’s worth the wait!

If you’re worried about the steak losing heat while it’s resting, you can wrap it loosely with some aluminum foil.

Then, it’s time to eat! A steak you’ve cooked yourself always tastes so much better. Plus, it’s an easy, but impressive, meal to serve to guests at a barbeque or party.

And for side dishes? One amazing thing about steak is that it goes with everything!

Consider mashed potatoes, fries, veggies, salad, corn on the cob, or even add some seafood for surf n turf.

Clean Your Grill

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious steaks, the last step is the washing up! Yes, this applies to your grill as well.

Using gentle dish soap, warm water, and a sponge or steel wool, scrub down all of the grill’s surfaces. This should be done after each use, as it will help your grill last longer.

Just be gentle, as putting too much elbow grease into it could remove some of the grill’s protective coating.

Otherwise, it’s easy for bits of food, especially fat, to stick to the grill and damage its surface over time. It also ensures your grill is clean and ready for the next time you want to grill some steaks!

Learning How to Cook Steak Is Easy With This Guide

If you’re getting hungry reading this, you’re not alone! Now that you know how to cook steak properly, use this guide to plan your next steak dinner.

Just be easy on yourself—we’ve all accidentally overcooked a steak or two, as learning how to do it properly takes practice. But if you put the effort in, you’ll soon learn how to cook a delicious steak that’s better (and cheaper!) than you’d get in a steakhouse.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, please read on to find out more.

Outdoor kitchens, sometimes called outdoor grills or outdoor fireplaces, are a place to host friends and family while enjoying the open air. Luxury outdoor kitchens can be made from various materials and come in different styles, depending on your preferences.

Some things that you will need for a successful outdoor kitchen include a grill, tables and chairs, an oven/stovetop, refrigerator/freezer, storage cabinets, countertops with sinks built-in, lighting fixtures, and more.

For many people building their outdoor kitchen is cheaper than buying one already constructed. To build the perfect outdoor kitchen, there are several appliances you will need to have ready before you get started. Check out this list to get:

Now that you have that list, you can see what appliances are perfect while building an outdoor kitchen.

Grill

According to Statista, in 2021, the American barbecue grill market was valued at approximately US $2.75 billion.

A grill is a necessity when it comes to outdoor kitchens. People always enjoy grilling outdoors because of the open air and hanging out with friends and family while cooking some delicious food.

Refrigerator/Freezer

An indoor refrigerator or freezer is not very practical in an outdoor kitchen, so you’ll need one that has been made for the outside world.

Ensure that your refrigerator will have proper insulation along with a solid door seal to prevent heat from escaping through the doors.

Also, make sure that you purchase a model with doors on both sides if you plan on opening them at different times. In this way, you will still be able to open the fridge from either side without having to wait for one side to cool down before opening the other.

Oven/Stove Top

It is nice to have an oven for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you plan to use luxury outdoor kitchens for more than just cooking.

A stovetop will also be needed so you can cook some of your favorite foods without having to go inside.

You’ll want to purchase appliances that do not require electricity because electrical connections may damage the unit due to the weather.

Storage Cabinets

The outside world can cause longer-term damage than indoor use unless special precautions are taken while building your outdoor kitchen.

Ensure that all storage cabinets have insulating features and a door latch or lock to prevent heat seeping out during warm days.

Also, make sure the cabinets are waterproof if they contain any electrical components.

Lighting Fixtures

Whether you want to have a romantic dinner for two under the stars or need enough light to see your grilling tools, lighting is critical when hanging out in your outdoor kitchen in the dark.

Lighting fixtures can be placed almost anywhere and come in many different shapes and sizes.

Outdoor lamps can be placed around an area, hung from above, or even put on a timer to avoid forgetting that they are still on after getting distracted with other things.

Side Burners

Side burners are not for everyday use, so they will be perfect for adding to your outdoor kitchen.

You’ll want one on each side of the grill if you plan to cook larger meals because it is even more convenient for someone to cook their food while you’re cooking yours. Side burners also come in handy when you need a pot or pans that aren’t very big and don’t fit over the primary fire.

Appliances

Many appliances can be helpful while building an outdoor kitchen, such as dishwashers, microwaves, ovens/stovetops, refrigerators/freezers, and sinks with countertops.

There are different appliances available depending on the amount of space available and what types of food you plan on cooking.

Make sure to choose appliances made for outdoors and have been tested to make sure they will last even in the worst of conditions.

Patio Furniture

Having the perfect patio furniture is probably one of the most important things to add to your outdoor kitchen. Furniture such as bistro sets and dining chairs will add comfort and style while you hang out in your paradise.

You’ll want to make sure that the furniture is made for the outside world and has been tested for endurance. There are different styles and sizes of furniture, so make sure whatever you choose will meet all your needs and standards.

Doors and Drawers

Outdoor kitchens are not only used for cooking food but relaxing and entertaining family and friends as well.

You’ll need doors in your outdoor kitchen if you plan on getting a grill that is a cabinet type with a door instead of a top with knobs. Pull-out drawers can also be added underneath counters to hold extra grilling tools or condiments.

You can use the above ideas to buy good quality and premium brand kitchen appliances for your outdoor cooking activities.

Baking is somewhat of a science. 

While cooking has a lot of wiggle room when it comes to making adjustments and alterations, one wrong move when you’re baking cakes, pies, or cookies can lead to results that are…less than ideal. 

If you’ve ever experienced disappointing baked goods, you know this all too well.

Have you ever tried to bake perfect cookies from what looked to be the best recipe, just to end up with dense hockey pucks or a batch of cookies that merged into one? We’ve been there, and we want to help you out.

Keep reading for our favorite cookie baking tips so you don’t have to worry next time you’re trying to fill your cookie jar.

1. Follow Recipes Exactly

The first (and arguably most important) tip in the list is to follow recipes as they are written (if you’re using a recipe and not creating your own, that is).

It’s easy to get a bit lazy with your recipes. You scoop your flour with no regard for what the consequences might be if your measurements are off. You add salt with reckless abandon. You even get over-confident and add in your “secret ingredient” because certainly, it will make things better.

You end up with cookies that look nothing like the cookies in the photos. What gives? 

Even the smallest change can make or break your cookies. Think of baking like chemistry. You need the right binding, the right ratio of liquid to dry ingredients, and the perfect baking time if you want everything to come together. 

When you’re adding in your ingredients, measure the right way. If something asks for packed sugar or flour, make sure that you pack and level your measuring tools. Even that small oversight makes a big difference in how much of each ingredient makes it into the bowl.

Don’t add or remove anything unless you know what you’re doing. 

2. Know The Power of Butter

Did you know that the state of your butter makes a difference in how your cookies turn out?

First, we’ll start simple. You have a choice between salted or unsalted butter. This is straightforward enough. 

If you’re already adding salt to your cookies, consider how salty you want them to be before you choose your butter. Some cookies benefit from a bit of extra salt (like chocolate chip cookies, for example), while others will taste “off” with the extra salt. 

You also need to consider the temperature of your butter. This goes back to following recipe instructions. If a recipe asks for a certain temperature of butter, it isn’t a loose guideline.

Melted butter will cause cookies to spread out and get thin and chewy. If this is your goal, that’s what you should choose. Cold butter makes for crispy cookies. Most recipes call for room-temperature butter that will keep cookies stable and not too greasy.

If your cookies didn’t turn out quite right, consider whether or not you followed instructions about your butter. 

3. Don’t Overdo Your Add-Ins

If you want cookies that are so full of chocolate chips, candies, or sprinkles, why not add in an extra few tablespoons? Who’s going to know?

Adding in bonus ingredients, even if they don’t make up the “chemistry” of the cookies, can have an impact on how well they bake and hold together. If you want a cookie that’s stuffed to the brim with add-ins, you should find a recipe that calls for that.

Some cookies can stand up to the extra ingredients, but they may need a different baking time and they might not look as pretty as they’re supposed to. They could even crumble if the dough isn’t thick enough. 

Add those extra chocolate chips if you choose to, but know that there might be consequences. 

4. Substituting? Use Caution

Many people need substitutions when they’re baking. If you’re gluten-intolerant, you might need a different kind of flour. People who don’t use animal products need to avoid milk, eggs, and butter and exchange them for plant-based alternatives. Some people may need to replace sugar with a sugar substitute. 

Keep in mind that many alternatives are equivalent enough to their “real” counterparts that you can swap them with ease, but not every recipe will work. Make sure that you look up your specific substitute before using it to see if you need a different amount. 

If you need substitutions, it’s best to use a recipe that already includes them. This is more difficult if you’re following an old family recipe, so researching your substitute ingredients is the next best option. 

5. Avoid Sticking: The Right Way

So you’ve made the perfect cookie dough. You followed all of the instructions to the letter and your cookies are ready to go into the oven. You’ve even set the oven to the exact right temperature.

What could go wrong?

If you don’t use the right method for stopping your cookies from sticking, you’re going to have a problem. Your cookies might spread out or stay too small, or worse, stick to the baking sheet. 

This is another case in which you should follow the instructions. Different recipes call for different non-stick methods. If they don’t list specifics, using parchment paper (a special paper to bake with) is often the best choice.

You never want to bake the best cookies just to end up scraping them off of the cookie sheet later. That ruins your perfect batch!

Time to Bake the Perfect Cookies

Baking the perfect cookies is easy once you understand the basics.

Our best baking advice? When in doubt, follow the recipe as it’s written. Bakers and food bloggers have tested their recipes out and they know that they work! Making changes is a recipe for disaster. 

Do you love cooking, baking, and reading about food? We have plenty of articles to choose from. Check out the rest of our site!