5 Baking Hacks That Are Perfect for Busy Professionals
Quick, Easy, and Delicious—Because You Shouldn’t Have to Choose Between Productivity and Homemade Treats!
Tech life, parenting, or just an overloaded schedule—who has time for baking? But what if I told you that you could enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen? Whether you're a software engineer, entrepreneur, or just someone juggling too much, these hacks will help you bake smarter, not harder.
Also, don’t forget to check out the overnight chocolate chip cookie recipe at the end!Check out my Amazon Storefront for everything you need to elevate your baking experience. From essential tools to time-saving gadgets, you'll find everything to help you bake with confidence and ease.
The One-Bowl Method – Less Cleanup, More Cookies
Skip the pile of dishes—use recipes that require only one mixing bowl. Think muffins, brownies, and cookies that don’t need multiple steps.
Why it works: Less mess, faster prep, and easier cleanup = more time for everything else.
Automate with Your Freezer – Your Future Self Will Thank You
Make dough once a month, freeze portions, and bake fresh when needed.
Best for: Cookie dough, scones, and biscuits.
Why it works: Saves time, lets you bake in small batches, and keeps treats on demand!
Use a Kitchen Scale – Precision Without the Guesswork
Ditch measuring cups—weighing ingredients saves time and ensures accuracy.
Best for: All baked goodies!
Why it works: Baking is science, and accurate measurements mean perfect results every time.
Set Up Your Baking Mise en Place – Your Kitchen, Optimized
Pre-measure all ingredients before you start to avoid missing key steps.
Best for: Recipes with multiple components (layer cakes, laminated doughs).
Why it works: No mid-bake panics when you realize you’re out of eggs!
The Overnight Rest Trick – Let Time Work for You
Many doughs and batters improve with a rest period.
Best for: Cookie dough, madeleines, bread, pancake batter.
Why it works: Chilling enhances flavour and texture effortlessly.
Being busy doesn’t mean you can’t bake! With these hacks, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh homemade treats without sacrificing productivity.
What’s your favourite baking shortcut? Drop your best time-saving baking tips below! 🍪
Bonus Recipe: Overnight Chilled Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want an easy recipe to test out these hacks? Try my Overnight Chilled Chocolate Chip Cookies—recipe below!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 12+ hours
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: ~12 hours 30 minutes
Tools Required:
Measuring cups and spoons
Ice cream scoop
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips or chunks
Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Melt & Cool Butter – Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. This gives the cookies a chewy texture.
Cream Sugars & Butter – In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Combine with Dry Ingredients – Slowly fold in the dry mixture until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate – Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Chill the Dough – Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight (or at least 12 hours).
Preheat & Scoop – When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centre look slightly underdone. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Sprinkle with Flaky Salt (Optional) – Enhances the flavour and balances sweetness.
Why Chill Overnight?
Richer Flavour: The sugar absorbs moisture, deepening the caramel-like notes.
Better Texture: Chilled dough bakes thicker and chewier with a crispy edge.
Easier Prep: Make ahead and bake fresh whenever you want!
Pro Tip: Freeze pre-scooped dough balls and bake on demand—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time!
Happy baking! 🍪
