Tips and Techniques Posts

Frosted holiday cookies

Your guide to making your most beautiful decorated holiday cookies

Cookie season is around the corner, so here's what you need for festive baking.

Nov 7, 2022
Different pie plates next to each other

The baking trials: From metal to glass to ceramic, how does your pie pan affect your crust?

Choosing the best pan for the best pie.

Nov 4, 2022
Sliding bread into oven with towels

For better steam, bake your bread with towels

A tray of wet kitchen towels in the oven can deliver continuous steam for crispy, crunchy crust.

Oct 31, 2022
Apple-Pear Pie

How long does pie last in the fridge?

Your guide to pie baking on your own schedule.

Oct 27, 2022
A grid of cupcakes decorated with all different techniques

How to frost cupcakes for any skill level

Decorate like a pro (even if you’re just a beginner).

Oct 21, 2022
Spoonfuls of different cocoa powders lined up next to each other

Types of cocoa, explained

A guide to choosing the right cocoa for the job.

Oct 20, 2022
Multiple colored doughs next to each other

A natural way to make brighter, bolder bao

How to use carrots, cabbage, and more to make colorful buns and breads.

Oct 19, 2022
Steamed buns next to steamer full of buns

Everything you need to know to make steamed buns

From the best setup to advice on keeping your steamer in top shape, here's your guide to steaming.

Oct 17, 2022
Dough windowpane

What is the windowpane test for bread dough?

How to perform this simple test — and why it matters.

Oct 14, 2022
Baker using Ankarsrum mixer

How a mixer made me a better (and more confident!) baker

My Ankarsrum has shown me anyone can be a baker with the right tools — even me.

Oct 10, 2022
brown eggs in a cardboard box

Things bakers know: Yes, you can freeze eggs for baking

A simple solution for excess eggs.

Oct 5, 2022
Chocolate cake in 6" round pan

How and why to turn (almost) any cake recipe into 6-inch mini cakes

Mini cakes are easy to make — and perfect for sharing.

Sep 28, 2022
Collage of Tara and selected bread tools

Sourdough star Tara Jensen's essential bread tools

From old favorites to new crushes, here are her recommendations for your best bread yet.

Sep 26, 2022
Baker mixing bread dough next to open bag of bread flour

Does bread flour really make a difference in your bread? (The answer is yes.)

Here's why you should always reach for the flour a recipe calls for.

Sep 22, 2022
Bag of dried buttermilk

Why you should be keeping dried buttermilk in your pantry

Not only is the shelf-stable powder convenient – it’s also great for baking.

Sep 14, 2022
Baking School cookbook on a baking work surface

How writing this book made me a better baker

Our new Baking School cookbook is packed with tips to change your baking game.

Sep 13, 2022
Heavy cream being poured over a pan of risen cinnamon rolls prior to baking.

One ingredient that makes cinnamon rolls even better

How to make your rolls softer, richer, and more delicious than ever.

Sep 7, 2022
Bagels, baked in an Ooni oven

How to make bagels in the Ooni

A baker's tips for live-fired success.

Sep 5, 2022
Cake being depanned.

The baking trials: What's the best way to prep your cake pan to prevent sticking?

We tested a dozen options. Here’s the best one.

Aug 29, 2022
Hands cracking two eggs against each other

Things bakers know: A better way to crack eggs

You probably don’t think about your egg-cracking method, but you should.

Aug 25, 2022
Braided bread dough in loaf pan, with visible indention from poke test

How do I know if my bread dough has risen enough?

Nail your proof with these simple steps.

Aug 22, 2022
Square slices of chocolate rye coffeecake

Streusel is the secret weapon you can stash in your freezer

Make one big batch, then instantly upgrade (almost) any bake.

Aug 17, 2022
Instant yeast being measured

Things bakers know: Instant yeast is superior to active dry. Here’s why.

Speed, price, ease of use — and results.

Aug 15, 2022
Air fryer pizza

How to make pizza in the air fryer

And 3 good reasons why you should.

Aug 8, 2022