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Cookie Crash Course

As a kid, I always felt sad for friends whose cookie experience was limited to sad plastic tubes of “slice and bake” dough with store-bought frosting.

We asked one of our favorite local bakeries, BabyCakes Baking Company of Torrance, to share some of their holiday cookie advice. Local addicts already know BabyCakes as the go-to destination for their cupcake fix, but it’s owner Kryste Langlais’ deadly cookies, served with or without a generous dollop of Dr. Bob’s handcrafted ice cream, that get us excited. From cinnamon-y snickerdoodles to gooey triple chocolate to peanut butter kisses, BabyCakes cookies are the star of any party. 

 

What are the most universally loved cookies during the holidays for at-home bakers to make?

Kryste Langlais: I think shaped sugar cookies are most popular during this season. They're easy to make and adaptable to so many different flavor and design varieties. Sugar cookies can be a great project for families or an easy-to-make homemade gift.

What are some unique cookie recipes worth trying this season?

KL: Take your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and play with add-ins and spices. Try a toasted almond and white chocolate chunk or butterscotch chips and cinnamon. Maybe bake an extra large cookie and decorate the top with easy buttercream icing.

What's the most common mistake at-home bakers make when preparing cookies?

KL: Over-baking the cookies and over-mixing the batter, both resulting in flat and hard cookies.

What are the three most essential tools for successful cookie baking at home?

KL: A small ice cream scoop for evenly sized cookies; parchment paper, which eliminates the need to grease your baking sheet and provides more even browning on the bottom of the cookie; and an oven thermometer to ensure an accurate baking temperature.

What's your personal weakness—the one cookie you can't resist?

KL: My personal weakness is our own Dulce Delectables—a light and tender shortbread sandwich cookie stuffed with homemade caramel and dusted with powdered sugar.

310-373-2500, babycakesshop.com