Whether you are baking your first batch of cookies or trying your hand at a homemade bread, baking can feel a bit intimidating at first. But don’t worry, we all make mistakes in the beginning (yes, even seasoned bakers burn a batch or two, including me!)
To help you maneuver through the learning curve, here are 10 of the most common baking mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.
Number 1: Not Reading the Recipe All the Way Through:
The Mistake-Jumping too fast into an unfamiliar recipe and realizing halfway through that the butter should have been melted, not softened or that the cookie dough needs to chill overnight. Or in my case, missing a necessary ingredient with a time sensitive recipe.
The Fix- Always, Always, Always read the full recipe before you begin. This will save ingredients, much time and effort and most importantly, frustration.
Number 2: Measuring Ingredients Incorrectly
The Mistake- Scooping flour with the measuring cup or using the wrong scale selection (oz instead of grams) can seem like small errors, but actually greatly impact a recipe that you often cannot go back on.
The Fix-Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level with a butter knife. Double check your scale and ensure it is calibrated. Another tip is usually after you add said ingredients, you can tell if something is not right. Sometimes if you can catch an error soon enough, the recipe can be saved.
Number 3: Using Cold Ingredients When you Should not be.
The Mistake-Some recipes do not call for cold eggs or butter straight from the fridge. The temperature can drastically affect some recipes that need room temperature ingredients.
The Fix-This goes back to Mistake Number One–Read your recipe from start to finish in the very beginning. Gathering all your ingredients before you start rather as you go can help not miss this important instruction if your recipe calls for certain temperature ingredients.
Number 4: Overmixing The Batter or Dough
The Mistake-Often times, doughs and batters require different mixing methods. Mixing batter like you do bread dough will often time over mix it, creating an unwanted final texture.
The Fix: Learn what the recipe requires. The recipe should say what is needed. Most batters are mix until just combined and most bread doughs are kneaded for a certain time and texture.
Number 5: Not Pre-heating the Oven
The Mistake-Making it all the way through the mixing process only to find out you forgot to turn on the oven. Ugh-Face Palm, this is the worst! Rushing and doing this at the last minute can cause over proof or rested doughs and batters that can ruin the recipe.
The Fix-Depending on how long the recipe takes start to finish, find out the best time to pre-heat. I usually let an oven pre-heat for a good 30-45 minutes to ensure a full, even temperature.
Number 6: Ignoring Oven Hot Spots and Not Turning Pans
The Mistake-Usually the back of your oven is hotter than the front of the oven. This can cause dark or even burnt back sides if the pans are not rotated periodically.
The Fix-I know this sounds weird but get to know your oven! I know after about 25-30 minutes, my items need rotated. If the total cook time is only 30 minutes, I still keep a close eye on it and more than likely will turn it once
Number 7-Open the Oven Door too Frequently
Mistake-I know the previous mistake is to keep an eye on your oven hot spots, but this does not mean open every 5 minutes. Letting too much heat out can greatly affect the total and even cook times.
The Fix-Be patient and keep a good timer on if you plan to rotate periodically or check done-ness. If your oven has a light and window into it, I would use this as well.
Number 8-Skipping Sifting
The Mistake-Skipping the sifting of the flours when a recipe specifically call for it. Skipping this step, especially with certain flours, can lead to lumpy batter or uneven textures.
The Fix-Simple, if a recipe calls for this, make sure you sift your flour. This again goes back to mistake number one and reading your recipe, making sure you have all ingredients and equipment and following the directions!
Number 9-Using Expired Yeast or Leaveners
The Mistake-This one can easily be missed if you simply do not know, because I did not! Anyway, using old baking soda or powder and yeast will result in poor outcomes such as flat or dense doughs and batters.
The Fix-Frequently check these items and their use by date. These are one of the few dry storage items that lose their usefulness at their expiration date. If you want to test baking soda, add vinegar to it and it should fix. If you know you have not used your baking powder or yeast in a long time (3-6 months), I recommend replacing this just so you do not waste a whole recipe.
Number 10-Not Letting Things Cool Properly
The Mistake-This is another super important one. Cutting into breads or cakes too early can quickly cause an unwanted texture and final product. Adding frosting to even slightly warm cookies or cupcakes can cause flat or melted icing–which no one wants!
The Fix-Follow the recommended cool times and go by touch. Most things to fully cool can take several hours on a cooling rack in a cool area, preferably not near a cooling oven.
Final thoughts-
Baking is both a science and an art, but the good news is, it’s totally learnable. Mistakes are part of the learning process, but now you are made aware with the most common mistakes to avoid while baking!🧁
To find beginner friendly recipes, please check out myhome page 🙂
The Baking Cat 
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