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Baking can be both an art and a science, but with a few clever hacks it can become a breeze for anyone. We’ve all been there, mid-way through a recipe you realize an item is missing or there is an unexpected bump in the road. That is why we created this list of tried-and-true tricks that have made kitchen adventures more fun than frustrating. Regardless of what you make, with these simple tips baking has never been easier or more enjoyable.
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1. Use a warm glass to bring your butter and eggs to room temperature.
Forgot to take your butter and eggs out of the fridge ahead of time? No worries! Warm a glass by filling it with hot water and let it sit for a minute or so. Empty and dry well with a t-towel and place over the ingredients until ready to use, ensuring a smoother and more even mix.
2. Store cookies and brown sugar with bread to keep it moist.
Say goodbye to dry cookies and rock-hard brown sugar! To keep your cookies soft and your brown sugar fluffy, store them with a slice of bread. The bread’s moisture is absorbed by your treats, ensuring they stay deliciously fresh for days.
3. Run granulated sugar through a blender or food processor for a quick powdered sugar.
Need powdered sugar but don’t have any on hand? To make a quick substitute, blend one cup of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of cornstarch. In a few minutes, you’ll have a perfect substitute that’s ready to use in all your sweet creations.
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4. Use The Cookie Cups Kits to get the ingredients and supplies you need, delivered directly to your door.
Baking made easy and delicious! With The Cookie Cups Kits, you get a tasty recipe, all the ingredients, and any kid-friendly supplies you need delivered straight to your door. These kits make it easy for young bakers who want delicious results without the stress.
5. Coat your fruit or chocolate mix-ins with flour to prevent sinking.
6. Use olive oil to measure your sticky ingredients without the hassle.
Measuring sticky ingredients like honey or molasses can be a real mess. Solve the problem by coating your measuring tools with a bit of olive oil first. Then watch how easily the sticky ingredients slide right out, ensuring precise measurements and less mess.
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7. Add molasses to your white sugar if you are out of brown sugar.
Out of brown sugar and in a pinch? Don't panic, there’s a simple fix. Mix one tablespoon of molasses with one cup of white sugar to create a homemade version. This easy mix will give you the deep, caramel-like flavor you need for your baked goods, ensuring your recipes turn out just right.
8. If you’re out of buttermilk, make your own with whole milk and lemon juice.
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? Create your own by mixing a cup of whole milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for ten minutes. This mixture will mimic the tangy taste and acidity of buttermilk that your recipe needs.
9. Use unflavored dental floss to evenly cut cheesecakes and layered cakes
Want flawlessly sliced cakes and layers? It can be hard to achieve an even cut with a regular knife so use unflavored dental floss instead. Simply pull a length of floss taut and slice through your dessert for perfectly neat cuts without the crumbs and mess.
Want more easy baking ideas? Check out all The Cookie Cups Kits for inspiration and to order your next baking adventure. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for our Prime Day deals!