Smart Cookies

Here are tips for baking flawless cookies.

To keep cookies from getting burned bottoms, bake on two stacked cookie sheets.

To help cookie dough retain its shape, chill it just before baking.

To keep colored sugar from disappearing into cookies, remove the cookies from the oven a few minutes before they're done. Brush lightly with beaten egg white, sprinkle with colored sugar, and finish baking.

To keep layers of dough from separating during baking, be careful not to use too much flour when rolling or shaping cookies.

To keep crisp cookies from getting soft, do not store them with soft cookies. Keep in separate containers.

Now, try your hand at making these classic holiday favorites.

Rolled Sugar Cookies
Oatmeal-Pecan Crisps
Lemon Crisps
Cinnamon Spice Sticks
Gingerbread People with Icing
Cappuccino Wheels
White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
Shortbread Fans
Mexican Snowflakes