It feels like every time I turn around, there’s some event where I’m asked to bring goodies. Maybe that’s just small town life, but whether it’s a church function, community event, ranch party or just company coming over for dinner, there’s always a need for desserts.
If you know me, you know I am definitely no Pioneer Woman, in fact, Mr. Outfitter does nearly all the cooking at our house. But, I do enjoy baking! However, as a working mom of two toddlers, I usually find myself pressed for time.
Enter Break-and-Bakes. These have been a lifesaver more times than I can count. In fact, I have so much experience, I now know all the tricks for the best outcome and have successfully convinced all the “gray hairs” in town to believe they are homemade! Which is huge! Because you don’t dare bring store-bought around these ladies. Let’s just say they are old school!
So, what’s my secret?
- I always prefer the Big Cookies. Those are the packages that have only 12. The 24 count turn out really small and people end up eating more than one most times anyway.
2. I like Pillsbury brand. I don’t think there’s a huge difference in taste, but I like that they have the cookies dough pre-cut into circles instead of squares. You can see what I mean in the picture below.
An easy fix if you can’t find these or prefer the Nestle dough, re-shape the dough before putting it on the sheet. If you don’t, you will still see the square corners even after the bake, and your cover will be blown!
3. Underbake! I cook at recommended temperature, but I set my timer for at least 2 minutes less than the lowest recommended cooking time! Here’s what mine look like right out of the oven. you can see how the center doesn’t look done, but how brown the edges are. These are perfect for those crispy outside/chewy centers.
4. This step is optional, but sometimes I will go ahead and get them on a cooler rack ASAP. Especially if I think they may be a little more cooked than what I prefer. This will keep the bottoms from getting any browner.
5. Always use a spatula when transferring these cookies, because they are so soft in the center, they will fall apart until completely cooled!
6. Serve on a cute platter! I like to use a charger. Because it’s cute and how often do you get to use them?
Now you have delicious cookies and no one will know you didn’t dirty up the kitchen making these from scratch!
I have tried a couple other flavors, but the chocolate chip/chunk is my go-to. These go over so well, and I can’t even express how quick and easy they are!
Here are links to some of the items featured in this post!
Hope you all enjoy these as much as we do!
XO, Lindsey
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