America's Test Kitchen Season 19 Episode 6 The Perfect Cookie

The popular cooking show, America's Test Kitchen, has returned for its 19th season with an exciting new episode called "The Perfect Cookie." In this episode, the team of chefs and cooks at America's Test Kitchen take on the challenge of perfecting the ultimate cookie recipes.

The episode begins with an introduction to the topic and sets the stage for what's to come - an in-depth exploration of what makes the perfect cookie and how to achieve it. The hosts of the show, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison, explain the importance of precise measurements and exact ingredients in baking, especially when it comes to cookies.

The first recipe featured in the episode is for classic chocolate chip cookies. The chefs go through the process of testing different types of chocolate chips to find the ones that will give the most flavor, texture, and amount of gooeyness in the finished cookie. They also explore the different results that come from chilling the dough versus baking it right away.

Next, the hosts move on to the debate of crispy versus chewy cookies. They try out two different versions of oatmeal cookies, one that is chewy and one that is crispy. They also experiment with different types of sugars to find the perfect level of sweetness in each cookie, as well as varying the amounts of chewy or crispy ingredients in the recipe.

Another cookie the chefs feature is the snickerdoodle. They explore how to get that characteristic crackly surface on top and how to balance the amount of cinnamon flavor. They also dive into the benefits of using brown butter instead of regular butter in baking and how it affects the outcome of a cookie recipe.

The last recipe featured in the episode is for lemon sugar cookies. The team plays around with lemon zest and lemon juice to create a cookie that has the perfect balance of lemon flavor without being too tart or overpowering. They also try out different types of flours to find the one that will create the perfect texture and crumb in the cookie.

Throughout the episode, the chefs explain the science behind baking and the reasons for every method they use. They also give tips and tricks for achieving the best results in baking at home. The show concludes with Lancaster and Davison tasting and evaluating each type of cookie they've made, giving their opinions on which ones are truly "perfect."

Overall, "The Perfect Cookie" is an engaging and informative episode of America's Test Kitchen that is sure to appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth. Viewers will learn valuable techniques for making the best cookies possible, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the science behind baking.