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The ice water hack that quickly cools cookie dough
Are you a fan of freshly baked cookies, but are always pressed for time? Well, fear not! We have a game-changing ice water hack that will revolutionize your cookie-baking routine. Say goodbye to waiting overnight for your dough to chill, because with this method, you can have perfectly chilled dough in less than half an hour. Let’s dive in and discover this incredible cookie dough chilling hack.
The Method
The process is surprisingly simple. All you need is a large waterproof bag, your cookie dough, and some ice water. Start by placing your dough in the baggie and flattening it out to about half an inch thick. Then carefully dip the baggie into a bowl or other large container of ice water. Make sure the bag is properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in. Now let’s explore why this hack works wonders.
Why does it work?
The secret to this ice water hack is the solidification of the butter or fat in the dough. When the dough is immersed in ice water, the butter solidifies, preventing it from melting too quickly in the oven. This means that your cookies will hold their shape and not melt together or spread too much. With this method, you can finally say goodbye to those disappointing cookie disasters. According to cookbook author and cookie maven Jesse Szewczyk, this hack works with any drop cookie dough.
Using the refrigerated dough
Once your dough is chilled to perfection, you have a few options for using it. You can either scoop spoonfuls of dough right out of the bag when you’re ready to bake, or you can use a ruler to mark out portions of the dough before chilling. Whichever method you choose, you can be sure that your cookies will turn out beautifully.
Alternative dough cooling methods
While the ice water bath is an excellent and efficient way to chill cookie dough, there are other quick and convenient methods you can explore. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can pre-portion your cookies on a tray and place the entire tray in the freezer. Another option is to cover the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and freeze it. However, it’s important to remember the golden rule when using the freezer method: don’t forget it’s in there!
It’s worth noting that while a half hour of refrigeration makes a significant difference in preventing cookie spread, if time permits, it’s still best to let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight. The extra time allows the flavors to intensify, and the firmer dough results in a chewier cookie.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in cookie baking, this ice water hack for quickly chilling cookie dough is a game changer. No longer do you have to wait hours or overnight for your dough to cool. With a simple bag, ice water, and a little patience, you can have perfectly chilled dough in under 30 minutes. So embrace the chill and enjoy baking your favorite cookies with ease and convenience. Happy Baking!
Note: This article is based on information found at https://www.mashed.com/1357570/chilling-cookie-dough-hack-ice-water/.
FAQS
Can I use any kind of cookie dough with this ice water hack?
Yes, this ice water hack works with any kind of cookie dough. Whether you’re making chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, or any other variety, you can use this method to quickly chill your dough.
How long does the dough need to be in the ice water?
For best results, it’s best to leave the dough in the ice bath for about 30 minutes. This allows the butter or fat in the dough to solidify and prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven.
Can I scoop the dough right out of the bag to bake?
Absolutely! Once the dough is properly cooled, you can scoop the dough directly from the bag and place it on a baking sheet. Alternatively, you can use a straight edge to portion out the dough before chilling, which will make it easier to shape and bake.
Can I freeze the dough using this method?
While the ice water hack is specifically designed for quick chilling, you can explore other methods for freezing dough. Pre-packaging the dough on a tray and placing it in the freezer, or covering the bowl of dough with plastic wrap and freezing it are alternative options. Just remember not to forget the dough if you choose to freeze it.
How is chilling the dough overnight different from using the ice water hack?
Chilling dough overnight provides additional benefits beyond temperature reduction. During the resting period, the flavors in the dough intensify and the texture becomes chewier. While the ice water hack is a convenient shortcut, if time allows, chilling dough overnight can result in even more delicious cookies.
Can I use this method for other types of dough, such as cake or pastry dough?
The Ice Water Hack is primarily intended for drop cookie dough. For other types of dough, such as pie or pastry dough, it’s best to follow the specific chilling instructions in the recipes. Different doughs may require different techniques to achieve the desired results.