Is it true when making baked goods, like cookies, it is always better to leave the dough?

Question

in the refridgerator overnight before baking it?

Answer 1

sometimes this is true. for example, a suger cookie will set up in the fridge but a choclate chip cookie dosen't need to set. so sometimes it is a good idea.

Answer 2

Not all doughs need to be refrigerated before baking. Certain types of cookie dough, e.g., sugar cookies, tend to be quite sticky. Putting them in the fridge to chill and then rolling out the cookies means you will not need as much flour to keep the dough from sticking. I find recipes that require chilling the dough are easier to make because the dough is easier to handle. Also, I can make my dough ahead of time and if it gets chilled too much, I simply take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before I intend to bake the cookies.

Answer 3

For many cookies, chilled dough does produce a better product. But not EVERY cookie is that way (ie: don't do it for shortbread) or that such a long a period of time isn't overkill.

Answer 4

I always do 2 hours in the frig but I make them into round balls first. I get a moist cookie that way but don't over cook.

Answer 5

i find that it helps a bit.