How To Make Drop Cookies - for kids and first-time bakers

Back when I was still a young mother, I learned how to bake by just following instructions from the cookbook.

Among the first thing that I baked was cookies. Cookies are actually very easy to make and it also brings a lot of satisfaction in me especially when the cookies are appreciated by my little ones ( and the hubby as well!)

Drop cookies are perfect for first-time bakers. Here are some tips on how to make cookies for kids to follow...

1. Have a grown up close by to help.
2. Carefully read the recipe and prepare the necessary baking equipment/utensils and ingredients.
3. Place cookie sheet in the oven one at a time, on the middle oven rack.
4. Check the cookies at the earliest baking time indicated. Remember, cookies get easily overdone when left in the oven even for just a few minutes.
5. Always use potholders or oven mittens to remove cookie sheets from the oven.
6. When using the same cookie sheet, let it cool first before putting the next batch of dough on them.





3 Steps to making the perfect drop cookies

Step 1: In a large mixer bowl, beat brown sugar, sugar, margarine ans shortening until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. Usually this takes 2 to 3 minutes of beating with an electric mixer, and longer if using wooden spoon. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The flour, baking soda and salt can be mixed in with the electric mixer or stirred in until completely combined. The dough would be quite stiff at this point.

Step 2: Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chopped chocolate and nuts until the pieces are evenly distributed.

Step 3: To bake, drop small amounts of cookie dough onto a cookie sheet by using a regular sized tablespoon to scoop the dough and a spatula to drop the dough into the cookie sheet, in equal sized mounds, about 2 inches apart (note: this is important to give space to the cookies as they spread out during baking).

The above instructions and tips were gathered from my collection of Pillsbury Cookbooks, which until now I still use although they are already worn and tattered ( evidence of their constant use!)