Ask the Baker’s Hotline Posts

Logo that reads "Ask the Baker's Hotline"The bakers of King Arthur are here to solve the kitchen conundrums you share with us, whether it’s on the phone, computer, or by the good old postal service. In Ask the Baker’s Hotline, Annabelle will pick the brains of the talented King Arthur Baker’s Hotline team to tackle some of your most-asked questions.  

 

Slice of pumpkin pie

How to tell when pumpkin pie is done

It can be trickier than you think — here’s what to look for.

Sep 25, 2024
Cowboy Cookies

Why did my cookies come out flat?

Don't worry: Flat cookies are preventable!

Aug 26, 2024
Roasted Strawberry and Pistachio Scones

How do I prevent dry scones?

Here’s how to make scones moist, every time.

Mar 11, 2024
Baker stretching pizza dough into a circle

Help! My pizza dough keeps shrinking back when I shape it.

How to stretch pizza dough — the right way.

Feb 14, 2024
Sliced loaf of artisan bread

How can I freeze my bread? (And defrost it, too!)

Keep loaves fresher for longer by stashing them in the freezer.

Dec 20, 2023
Milk Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Cookies

Why are my cookies spreading?

Everything from your recipe to your oven may be the culprit.

Dec 19, 2023
Monster Cookies

How can I keep cookies soft?

Use these tips to make soft cookies — and keep them that way.

Jun 27, 2023
Baker squeezing a loaf of baked sandwich bread

How to tell if bread is done baking

Nail the perfect bake with these guidelines.

May 31, 2023
Block of fresh yeast in front of loaf of sliced bread

How do I bake with fresh yeast?

And can I substitute fresh yeast and dry yeast for each other?

Apr 24, 2023
Dough buckets full of flour

What’s the best way to store flour?

Ensure your flour is always fresh with these best practices.

Feb 23, 2023
Stick of unwrapped butter on counter

Is it always OK to put softened butter back in the fridge?

For the best baking success, here's the deal on saving softened butter for later.

Dec 6, 2022
Apple-Pear Pie

How long does pie last in the fridge?

Your guide to pie baking on your own schedule.

Oct 27, 2022
Braided bread dough in loaf pan, with visible indention from poke test

How to tell if bread dough has risen enough

Nail your proof with these simple steps.

Aug 22, 2022
Ingredients for chocolate cake being added to a stand mixer bowl

What if I forgot to add salt (or eggs, or sugar!) to my cake batter?

How to save your cake after you’ve left out an ingredient.

Jul 22, 2022
No-Knead Harvest Bread

Can I make any bread recipe a no-knead recipe?

Yes! (Mostly.) Here’s how to adapt a recipe to skip the kneading.

May 25, 2022
Sheet pan of baked Ultimate Sandwich Bagels with everything bagel topping

What's the difference between diastatic and non-diastatic malt?

How to use different malts for better flavor, color, and rise in your bagels and breads.

Mar 14, 2022
Hands cutting out sugar cookie dough in festive shapes

Is it too early to start making my holiday cookie dough?

Our Baker's Hotline helps you get a head start on your cookie baking.

Nov 26, 2021
Baker covers a bowl of bread dough with plastic wrap

Can I refrigerate my bread dough and bake it later?

The answer is yes! And you can do it with almost any recipe. Here's how.

Sep 28, 2021
Hand pouring salt into bowl of dough

What if I forgot to add salt to my bread dough?

Oh, and I left out the yeast too! Can my bread be saved?

Aug 31, 2021
Hands cutting dough into rolls

Can I freeze my yeast dough?

Before you stash dough in the freezer, here's what you need to know.

Jul 6, 2021