Tips and Techniques Posts

Glazed Ginger-Citrus Shortbread

Things bakers know: The go-to trick for perfectly round logs of cookie dough

All you need is parchment paper and a bench knife.

Dec 14, 2022
Mini offset spatula being used to frost a cupcake

Why an offset spatula is an essential, must-have tool

It does far more than just frost cakes.

Dec 9, 2022
Maple Shortbread

7 of the cutest (and greenest) ways to gift your baked goods

Skip the single-use wrapping paper and embrace the reusable route.

Dec 7, 2022
Stick of unwrapped butter on counter

Is it always OK to put softened butter back in the fridge?

For the best baking success, here's the deal on saving softened butter for later.

Dec 6, 2022
Sugar cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet

Cookies spreading? It might be your pan lining.

From parchment to silicone, the material you use to line your pans affects how your cookies spread.

Dec 1, 2022
Hands cutting out biscuit dough

Baking with chronic fatigue? We've got tips for conserving energy in the kitchen.

The right prep and adjustments will make baking more enjoyable.

Nov 22, 2022
Sourdough Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls from your air fryer — in under 10 minutes

No room in your regular oven? Flash-bake rolls in your fryer.

Nov 21, 2022
Apple Butter Apple Sauce

How (and why) to turn applesauce into homemade apple butter

A grocery store shortcut for bakery-worthy treats.

Nov 17, 2022
Blueberry pie

Things bakers know: “Crust dust” is the secret ingredient to preventing a soggy bottom

A simple way to keep pie bottoms crisp.

Nov 16, 2022
rolls

Potatoes are the secret to tender, ultra-soft rolls and bread

This humble tuber works starchy magic.

Nov 15, 2022
Frosted holiday cookies

Your guide to making your most beautiful decorated holiday cookies

Cookie season is around the corner, so here's what you need for festive baking.

Nov 7, 2022
Different pie plates next to each other

The baking trials: From metal to glass to ceramic, how does your pie pan affect your crust?

Choosing the best pan for the best pie.

Nov 4, 2022
Sliding bread into oven with towels

For better steam, bake your bread with towels

A tray of wet kitchen towels in the oven can deliver continuous steam for crispy, crunchy crust.

Oct 31, 2022
Apple-Pear Pie

How long does pie last in the fridge?

Your guide to pie baking on your own schedule.

Oct 27, 2022
A grid of cupcakes decorated with all different techniques

How to frost cupcakes for any skill level

Decorate like a pro (even if you’re just a beginner).

Oct 21, 2022
Spoonfuls of different cocoa powders lined up next to each other

Types of cocoa, explained

A guide to choosing the right cocoa for the job.

Oct 20, 2022
Multiple colored doughs next to each other

A natural way to make brighter, bolder bao

How to use carrots, cabbage, and more to make colorful buns and breads.

Oct 19, 2022
Steamed buns next to steamer full of buns

Everything you need to know to make steamed buns

From the best setup to advice on keeping your steamer in top shape, here's your guide to steaming.

Oct 17, 2022
Dough windowpane

What is the windowpane test for bread dough?

How to perform this simple test — and why it matters.

Oct 14, 2022
brown eggs in a cardboard box

Things bakers know: Yes, you can freeze eggs for baking

A simple solution for excess eggs.

Oct 5, 2022
Chocolate cake in 6" round pan

How and why to turn (almost) any cake recipe into 6-inch mini cakes

Mini cakes are easy to make — and perfect for sharing.

Sep 28, 2022
Collage of Tara and selected bread tools

Sourdough star Tara Jensen's essential bread tools

From old favorites to new crushes, here are her recommendations for your best bread yet.

Sep 26, 2022
Baker mixing bread dough next to open bag of bread flour

Does bread flour really make a difference in your bread? (The answer is yes.)

Here's why you should always reach for the flour a recipe calls for.

Sep 22, 2022
Bag of dried buttermilk

Why you should be keeping dried buttermilk in your pantry

Not only is the shelf-stable powder convenient – it’s also great for baking.

Sep 14, 2022