Every Christmas I like to bake an assortment of cookies for friends, but it is such a struggle. I live in Hawaii and am convinced the humidity is ruining my cookie baking but I don't know how to counteract the effects. Cookies are either burned, not baked enough, soft, too hard .... something! Can anyone give me a general idea of what I am up against? I see corrections in recipes for high altitudes but nothing for high humidity.
Definitely is the humidity... i live in Singapore and cookies are fine when I cook in an air conditioned kitchen (a rarity), but I've just moved to a place without air conditioning in the kitchen and my cookies don't rise any more at all.
would love to find a solution.
By (Guest Post)
12/11/2004
Sometimes it can be your cookie sheets if they are coated with the older "black" teflon popular several years ago. They required that you turn your oven down 5 degrees lower. Also, if you use glass bakeware for anything, you may need to lower the temperature 5 degrees. I also agree that it may be that your oven is off in its temperature--you may be needing a new thermostat. Check it with an oven thermometer.
By (Guest Post)
12/10/2004
I grew up in New Orleans, and I have two thoughts: 1: Borrow an oven thermometer and make sure your oven is the temperature you think it is. It may not be the humidity. 2: Ask your neighbors and friends in the area for their cookie recipes. 3: (Sorry, this one costs money): Look for insulated baking sheets if your cookies are only burned on the bottom.