5 Baking Ingredients You Need to Upgrade for Better Cookies
The secret to truly memorable cookies isn’t about fancy equipment or complicated techniques—it’s about the ingredients. High-quality baking essentials can transform an ordinary cookie into an unforgettable experience. From butter that melts like silk to the perfect pinch of salt, these five ingredient upgrades will take your cookies to the next level.
1. Butter That Makes a Statement
Butter isn’t just a supporting ingredient—it’s the soul of your cookies. It creates rich flavour, tender texture, and that indulgent melt-in-your-mouth experience. But here’s the truth: not all butter is created equal.
At ASSEMBLY COOKIES, we’re proud to support fellow Canadian businesses, which is why we use Cow’s Creamery PEI Unsalted Butter as the foundation of our dough. With 84% butterfat, this award-winning butter can be found at most Canadian grocery stores and is richer and silkier than standard options. Less water means less steam in the oven, resulting in better spread, crispier edges, and a more pronounced buttery flavour in every bite.
Pro Tip: Always use unsalted butter to control your recipe’s salt levels. Want to amplify the flavour even more? Brown your butter for a rich, nutty depth that takes your cookies from good to unforgettable.
2. Decadent Chocolate That Deserves the Spotlight
If your cookies have chocolate in them, make it count. Instead of reaching for basic chocolate chips, upgrade to high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) and chop it into chunks. This ensures melty, irregular pools of chocolate in every bite.
Choosing White Chocolate? Make sure it contains real cocoa butter instead of vegetable oils. True white chocolate delivers the smooth, creamy texture your cookies deserve.
3. The Right Flour for the Perfect Texture
Flour is the backbone of your cookies, and the type you use can make or break your batch. All-purpose flour is a solid choice, but experimenting with specialty flours can elevate texture and flavour in ways you didn’t know you needed.
While nut flours add natural oils that can alter cookie texture, we love experimenting with Flourist’s Stone-Milled Flours. This Vancouver-based mill produces high-quality, fresh-milled flour using organic Canadian grains. Their Sifted Red Spring Wheat Flour imparts a deeper, almost caramelized flavour with a tender chew, while their Whole Grain Rye Flour adds a subtle nuttiness and extra moisture retention for a softer crumb. Plus, these flours are more flexible than nut flours—ideal for the at-home baker and perfect for savoury dishes like pizzas and more.
4. Cornstarch for Cookies That Chew Back
Here’s a little-known baking hack: Cornstarch makes cookies softer and chewier by reducing gluten formation. Just a small amount can turn a dense, dry cookie into a delicately tender masterpiece.
Try adding 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch per cup of flour in your dry ingredients. The result? Soft, pillowy cookies that still hold their shape beautifully.
5. Salt That Balances Sweetness to Perfection
Sweet treats need salt—it’s the secret to making flavours pop. Instead of basic table salt, opt for fine kosher salt for even distribution or flaky sea salt for a subtle crunch and elevated finish.
For a next-level move, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of your cookie dough before baking. The contrast between sweet and salty creates an addictive bite that keeps people coming back for more.
The Final Touch: Elevate Your Baking Game
Upgrading your baking staples is the simplest way to take your cookies from homemade to bakery-worthy. When your butter is richer, your chocolate is deeper, and your salt is more balanced, every bite tastes intentional.
But don’t just take our word for it—grab your grocery tote, stock up on premium ingredients, and taste the difference for yourself. At ASSEMBLY COOKIES, we believe the best cookies start with the best ingredients. Because when you bake better, you eat better.
