Flat, thick, chewy, cakey, crunchy, soft—cookies can be made in so many different ways to cater to different tastes. If you’re someone who appreciates a warm, pillowy cookie, we get it! However, this can be one of the harder consistencies to achieve. If you’re struggling to get it right, try some of the following tips to achieve fluffier cookies.

Adjust Your Leavening Agents

Have you ever wondered about the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Many amateur bakers do. After all, these leavening agents look and act practically the same.

However, the right balance of baking soda and baking powder determines how your cookies rise and expand. Baking soda acts quickly, so if you’re not seeing the rise you want, consider replacing some of it with baking powder for a steadier, more controlled lift. Experiment with the amounts until you reach your desired fluffiness.

Use More Flour

Flour adds structure to cookies, and using just a bit more can help achieve the fluffy texture you’re after. This increases the density and structure of the dough, leading to a more substantial rise during baking. However, too much flour might produce a dry, tough cookie, so you might have to experiment to find the sweet spot.

Add Some Cornstarch

We bet you haven’t heard of this trick before, but it works! Cornstarch can create a softer crumb in baked goods. Incorporate a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch into your flour mixture for cookies that are both tender and fluffy. This small addition absorbs excess moisture, preventing the dough from spreading out too much and ensuring a lovely, thick result.

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough

Melted or overly soft butter is probably the most common culprit behind flat cookies. That’s why you should never skip fridge time if you’re after a fluffy rise. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, preventing them from immediately spreading and flattening your cookies in the oven.

Bonus Tip

Preform your cookie dough balls before chilling them. This means you won’t have to handle the dough once it’s out of the fridge, preventing your hands from warming up what the fridge worked hard to cool.

Don’t Grease the Pan

Finally, while greasing the pan might seem necessary, this step can cause your cookies to spread out more and become flatter than desired. It basically provides a Slip ’n Slide for your dough to spread as it warms.

Instead, opt for a parchment-lined baking sheet. This gives your cookies a better chance to rise for that optimal fluffy texture.

There you have it—the top tips to achieve fluffier cookies. If you’re craving a soft, cakey cookie, experimenting with these techniques will help you get there!