Hacks to Make Prepackaged Mixes Taste Like Homemade Cookies

Hacks to Make Prepackaged Mixes Taste Like Homemade Cookies

People often purchase store-bought cookies when they want a treat because they don't have time to make cookies from scratch. However, they have a third option that should be considered. A prepackaged cookie mix is an excellent alternative, and bakers can use hacks to make these mixes taste like homemade cookies. 

Real Butter

Everyone should use real butter rather than margarine when using a cookie mix. Most mixes offer the option of using either, but butter provides the homemade taste people are after. Choose unsalted butter to avoid a salty taste.

Flavor with Extracts

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to boost the cookies' flavor. If using a sugar cookie mix, try adding almond, rum, maple, or lemon extract to learn how they alter the taste and which people prefer. Vanilla and almond extracts can be combined for a unique flavor.

Add Some Zest

Choose a giant cookie mix and add some zest. Sugar cookie mixes are ideal for adding a citrus flavor. Using a microplane grater, capture one or two tablespoons of fine zest from a favorite fruit and mix it into the dough. Lemon, lime, and orange are all good flavors to try.

Cake-Like Texture

Some people prefer a soft, cake-like texture in their cookies. Use sour cream with a sugar cookie mix and have delicious cookies with the desired texture. When mixing the butter and egg into the mix, add 3/4 to one cup of full-fat sour cream. The sour cream's acid helps break the dough's gluten into smaller molecules to provide this texture.

Add-Ins

Why settle for plain sugar cookies when ingredients can be added to spice up the flavor? Chocolate chips are one option, but don't overlook chopped nuts, M&M's, rainbow sprinkles, or many other items. Wait until the butter and egg have been blended with the mix before introducing the additional ingredients.

Color the Dough

Adding food coloring is one way to liven up cookies made with a mix. Use green for St. Patrick's Day, red and green for Christmas, red for Valentine's Day, or any color when making cookies for a special treat. Make small balls and combine them to make a bigger ball for a multicolored cookie that will be fun to eat.

Chilled Dough

Chill the dough after mixing to improve the taste. Allowing the dough's temperature to drop makes for tastier cookies. It also helps firm the butter in the dough so the cookies hold their shape while baking.

These are only a few hacks bakers use when making cookies from a mix. Roll the cookies in toppings before baking or ice them after cooling. Try different combinations to find those the family loves best. Once these varieties have been found, they can be made anytime the family wants a delectable dessert.