Cookie Baking Safety

The time of year has appeared that we start to bake more. It is one of my winter comfort things to do, especially when bad weather is approaching. There is nothing better than homemade snow day treats and snacks. One of my all-time favorite things to do in this time is bake cookies. We have so many favorite cookie recipes and I love sharing them with family and friends, but we must remember cookie baking safety when entering the kitchen.

Many things we take for granted as being more common-sense measures like washing our hands, but there are some other things that might slip our minds when heading to the kitchen to bake our favorite cookies.

• Secure Your Hair

I always find myself with a messy bun. The typical mom look, but some people opt for a ponytail or even using a hair net. However, you decide to style your hair be sure that it is done in a way to avoid the need to rearrange or touch it while baking. And don’t forget – this applies to facial hair as well. If you have a beard or mustache, consider tying it back or using a beard net to ensure that no stray hairs make their way into your ingredients or baked goods.

• Wash Hands & Surfaces

We may remember the hand washing because we make a habit of it but also don’t forget the surfaces. Wash hands with soap at least 20 seconds before proceeding with anything else. Make sure your countertops, utensils, mixing bowls, and baking pans are clean. Cross-contamination can occur if bacteria from raw ingredients, such as eggs or flour, encounter ready-to-eat items or clean utensils.

• Check Expiration Dates

So many baking items we don’t use on a daily basis and it becomes hard to keep up with when they expire or we often don’t use them all up before they expire. This is especially important with baking soda, baking powder and spices. Old or expired ingredients can lead to foodborne illness or affect the taste and texture of your baked goods.

• Be Careful with Eggs

Raw or undercooked eggs can carry salmonella, a harmful bacterium. If you’re concerned about raw egg consumption, consider using egg alternatives or cooking the mixture before consumption.

• Handle Flour Safely

Wheat comes from the farm, so it’s minimally processed then packaged and sold to you. Though it may seem harmless, raw flour can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Avoid eating raw dough or batter, and make sure flour is cooked thoroughly in baked goods. Be sure to store your flour in a cool, dry place and use it before the expiration date.

• Keep Dairy Refrigerated

Ingredients like butter, cream, and milk are commonly used in holiday baking. These items can spoil quickly if left out at room temperature for too long, so it’s best to keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to use them and return them to the fridge promptly after measuring. To prevent spoilage of recipes that include cream fillings or frostings, store the finished product in the refrigerator.

• Be Aware of Allergies

When baking for company or others be cautious of food allergies such as nuts. This can mean life or death to guests or gift recipients.

• Bake at a Proper Temperature

Ensuring that your baked goods reach the proper internal temperature is key to killing any harmful bacteria. Most cookies, cakes, and pastries should be baked at a minimum temperature of 350°F (175°C). Always follow the recipe’s guidelines and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is calibrated correctly.

• Don’t Overload Your Oven

When baking multiple items at once, make sure not to overcrowd the oven. Proper air circulation is key to ensuring that all items bake evenly and reach safe internal temperatures. If you’re baking multiple batches, rotate trays between racks for even baking and be sure to allow sufficient cooling time before putting the next batch in.

• Store Baked Goods Properly

After the baking is done, proper storage is essential to prevent your treats from spoiling or becoming contaminated. Cool baked goods completely before storing them in airtight containers. If your recipe contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese, custard, or whipped cream, store these items in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, consider freezing your baked goods in airtight containers or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

• Clean up Thoroughly

After a day of holiday baking, make sure to clean up properly. Wash all used utensils, baking sheets, and pans with hot, soapy water. Wipe down all surfaces, as flour and raw egg remnants can linger and potentially spread bacteria.

No matter who you are baking for (even if its just a personal treat) be sure to practice these important tips for food safety and keep an eye out on Make Food Safe for other food safety tips.