To prevent your cookies from becoming hard, you can try the following tips:
Proper measuring: Ensure that you accurately measure your ingredients, especially the flour. Too much flour can result in a dry and crumbly texture. Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Don't overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture in the cookies.
Butter temperature: Softened butter is often used in cookie recipes. Make sure it is at room temperature but not melted. Softened butter incorporates better with other ingredients, resulting in a softer texture.
Use the right sugar: Brown sugar tends to create softer and moister cookies compared to white granulated sugar. Consider using a combination of brown and white sugars or experimenting with different ratios to achieve your desired texture.
Add moisture: Add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or a liquid sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup) to the cookie dough to introduce more moisture. This can help prevent dryness and hardness.
Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight can help solidify the fats and develop flavor. Chilled dough often spreads less during baking, resulting in a softer texture.
Baking time and temperature: Pay attention to the baking time and temperature specified in the recipe. Over-baking can make cookies dry and hard. Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when they are just set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage: Store your cookies properly to maintain their texture. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag once they have completely cooled. Adding a slice of bread or a damp paper towel to the container can help retain moisture in the cookies.
By following these tips, you can improve the chances of baking cookies that are softer and more enjoyable to eat.