It’s that time of year again: when we head into the kitchen to bake cookies. These delectable little goodies can be mighty tempting as the cookie sheets come out of the oven or as they sit on racks to cool.
Are you one of those people who collects bakers’ taxes on each pan after removing them from the oven? A dozen for the rack and one for you? If so, you’re not alone.
For many people, it’s one of the reasons that they avoid baking at other times of the year. Armed with a few strategies, though, you don’t have to end up being a cookie monster when you are confronted with these fresh, hot and very delicious morsels.
You can definitely enjoy some but it’s when you eat too many that you have regrets afterwards.
Here are a few smart cookie strategies.
• Consider the timing
Do not bake at a time when you are usually hungry. it’s a sure fire way to guarantee that you will overindulge. If you can, a terrific time to bake is right after eating a balanced breakfast. Somehow the cookies are just not as tempting in the morning.
Late afternoon, on the other hand, can be a risky time as you might end up having many fewer cookies left then you had intended. But if that’s the only time that you can bake, read on to see how to you can manage portion control.
• Steer clear of raw cookie dough
For years we’ve been warned about the risks of eating raw cookie dough due to the risks of foodborne illness linked to consuming raw eggs. But we now know that uncooked flour can also be a food poisoning risk. So even if you’re batter does not contain raw eggs, stay safe if you are baking with flour by not licking the spoon as you clean out your mixing bowl.
• Don’t eat the broken ones from the cookie sheet
It’s amazing how many cookie pieces or large crumbs you can eat as you put the perfect ones aside to cool. I’m not saying that you can’t eat them. I’m just saying don’t eat them off the pan. Instead, place all of the less than perfect ones aside onto a plate while you’re baking.
• Sit down and enjoy your cookies
Once you have finished baking, put some cookies, possibly two or three depending on their size, on to a plate. Make yourself a hot beverage and sit down and savour your delectables. They will certainly be more enjoyable when you’re off your feet and you can actually concentrate on how delicious they are. When you take bits and bites while you’re baking not only do you not really enjoy your creations but afterwards, you’ll likely feel stuffed. That’s just not very satisfying.
Maybe this doesn’t need to be said but I will say it anyway. Sometimes when you’re baking, you may not be making your favourites. Sometimes you simply have to make traditional offerings that others love. If that’s the case, consider promising yourself something else for right after you have finished your task.
After all, don’t you deserve your own choice of deliciousness?
Happy holiday season!
If you’re looking for some new offerings, check out this out: Dietitians’ Favourite Easy Cookie Recipes Roundup. After all, dietitians absolutely do know about good food!
Enlightened Eater 
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