Last minute baking tips to keep sweet treats rising to the top

Need some last minute baking tips? Even though some companies would prefer people buy versus bake this year, baking is a holiday tradition in some homes. But, if those cookies are falling flat, is there a quick fix in the sitting in the pantry?

While Food Network bakers seem to make quick work of all those delicious holiday desserts, it doesn’t require a pastry chef title to make a great cookie. If grandma hasn’t passed down that tried and true recipe, King Arthur Baking is the ultimate resource for holiday baking. Its list for all the holiday classic cookies ensures that there is one cookie that will impress Santa.

From that simple shortbread to a luscious chocolate to even that always popular snickerdoodle, there is a recipe for every level of baker. And, if there is a question along the way, the Baker’s Chat can come to the rescue.

Sometimes, there is a simple reason why that cookie spreads too much or that cookie needs to be a little thicker. If you do not know the difference between baking powder and baking soda, it might be the time to appreciate how these ingredient impact that baked treat. Remember, baking is a science and every ingredient has a purpose.

Even though many people like to try new ingredients or new methods, sometimes grandma knows best, especially when it comes to last minute baking tips. Crisco really can come in handy. Whether used in a recipe, greasing a pan or a variety of other uses, the reality is that Crisco might be better than butter in some situations.

Then again, the right butter will make a difference in a recipe. While everyone appreciates the difference between salted and unsalted butter, not all butters are equal. For example, Kerrygold, the Irish Butter, has a luscious butter fat content that makes recipes richer. Although the golden color is recognizable, the flavor brings people back.

But, sometimes people want to create that dessert which leaves people wanting more. A baking secret revealed by Christina Tosi is that malted milk powder can be that flavor which brings people back for more. Although not quite describable in a dessert, it is that flavor that people love. It is used in a variety of Milk Bar desserts.

While the recipe might be perfection, the baking tools need to be up to par, too. Although there are some memories tied to grandma’s bowl, it doesn’t mean that other items should not be replaced from time to time. It might be time to replace that sheet pan with something new.

And, even is that stand mixer might be working overtime, sometimes a hand mixer comes through in a pinch. The Hamilton Beach Hand Mixers with the Easy Clean Beaters are a baker’s dream. Although there might not be as much icing left on those beaters to enjoy, the clean-up is a breeze.

In the end, the truth is that the holiday season is meant to be enjoyable and last minute baking tips can help, but an imperfect dessert isn’t the end of the celebration. Even if the cookies are a little thin and the cake didn’t rise to the top, the merry of the season will still be part of every celebration.