Problembeginnerdraft
Cookies spread
Also searched as: biscuits spread, flat cookies, cookies too thin
In short: The butter melted before the edges set.
Picture it
Like a snowman in the sun: if it melts faster than it freezes, it goes flat.
What happened in your kitchen?
Question 1
Did the dough come straight from the fridge?
All causes, by frequency
3
- Dough too warm
Butter melts at about 35 °C. Warm dough spreads straight away.
Next time: Chill the dough before baking · Let the tray cool between batches
- Lots of sugar or too little flour
Sugar liquefies in the oven; flour gives support.
Next time: Weigh the flour · A little less sugar or a little more flour
- Oven too cool
The edges take too long to set.
Next time: Preheat the oven fully · Check the temperature with a thermometer
Related entries
Fat in general
Sugar