Oven Temperatures
Gas vs. electric ovens can produce different results. Because all ovens will vary in temperatures we suggest checking your cookies at 15 minutes whether using gas or electric.
Gas Ovens: We found that baking from frozen at 325F for 18 minutes produced the best results. You can bake your cookies at 350F but check at 15 minutes.
Electric Ovens: Bake from frozen at 350F for approximately 18-21 minutes, however, check at 15 minutes.
Baking Equipment
Parchment Paper: Always use parchment paper instead of foil if you can. If you don't have any on hand then lower the oven temperature by about 5-10 degrees and watch the cookies at the 15 minute mark.
Cookie Sheet: Insulated cookie sheets work very well but non-insulated work just as well if you have a quality cookie sheet. Nordicware makes some of the best chef quality cookie sheets.
Ice Cream Scooper: If you want nice round and even cookies then using an ice cream scooper will produce the best looking cookie. It does take a little more muscle though.
Added Ingredients
Butter: Salted or unsalted? It really doesn't matter which you choose but if you prefer to lower your salt content then go with unsalted. WAC mixes contain 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan sea salt.
Egg Size: Large, medium or small will all work equally well. It doesn't matter the size of the egg so feel free to use whatever egg you have on hand. In fact, you can leave an egg out if anyone has an egg allergy and just do a little extra mixing. If you choose to omit the egg, then extra mixing with your hands to compact the dough works best to form the dough into balls. If the dough seems too dry you can add 2 teaspoons of water or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Vanilla Extract: Most of our mixes do not contain vanilla extract but feel free to add 1-2 teaspoons if you prefer.
Extra Add-Ins: Feel free to add in any favorites to your cookie dough such as pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts after mixing all ingredients if you prefer. Be sure to share your cookie magic with us on our IG feed @wildaboutchocolate.com.
Cookie Care
Frozen cookie dough will stay good for about 3-4 months if stored in a plastic bag or tightly closed container. Good news if you want to bake only one or two cookies at a time (I suggest two because one just isn't enough!)
Refrigerated cookie dough should be used within 2 days because after that the baking soda will lose its effectiveness and you will have flat cookies. Still good cookies, but flat.
Baked cookies will typically last 3-4 days. Do not store in the refrigerator after baked as this will tend to dry out cookies. For baked cookies not eaten immediately, store in an air tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat simply thaw for about an hour and then warm in the oven for a decadent cookie.
Day old cookies, we doubt you will have any left but if you do simply warm cookies on a baking sheet in the oven at 350F for about 5 minutes. The result will be that same gooey, melty chocolate that tastes like it was just baked! Do not microwave because this will make the cookies hard and dried out, which would be a total disappointment and who wants that.