I Hate Flat Cookies

Some things that will help keep your cookies from going flat!

Put cookies on a cool pan (see Tips)


Lightly sprinkle your greased cookie sheet with flour- this will keep the cookies from spreading out so much.

Substitute bread flour (the gluten keeps the cookie from going flat) or cake flour (the starch does the same) in your cookie recipe.

Use shortening or margarine (the stick kind- not in a tub) instead of butter. Shortening and margarine help the cookie keep the original shape because they are more stable. (they have a higher melting point, so the other ingredients have more time to 'set' before the butter melts. But I am a butter girl. *sigh* the dilemma!


Make sure to use a recipe that calls for baking powder in your dry ingredients and eggs in your wet ingredients.

Use less sugar in your recipe. (this is a tricky one because it can compromise the flavor) If there is a lot of sugar in your recipe, you may want to consider cutting the amount down- sugars turn liquid in the oven and more liquid generally means flatter cookie.

Don't over mix- too much air will be incorporated and the cookies will spread out too much. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined.

If the recipe says to chill your dough before baking- do it! It will hold its shape better. This usually applies to rolled out cookies. Drop cookies are OK at room temperature unless otherwise specified.