10 Common Baking Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them!)

There’s something magical about baking—whether it's for the holidays or just for your little family. I mean, you’ve got the cozy aroma, the yummy taste, and that satisfying feeling when everything comes together just right. But if you’ve ever pulled a sunken cake or rock-hard cookies out of the oven, then you know the struggle is real.

Baking is part science, part art, and let’s be honest... even the tiniest mistake can turn your masterpiece into a hot mess. I know, it’s a pain. But don’t worry—I got you.

Here are 10 common baking mistakes that might be sabotaging your sweet treats—and what to do instead:

1. Not Measuring Ingredients Properly

Scooping flour straight from the bag? Unfortunately, that’s a quick way to end up with dry, dense cookies or cake. I get it, I used to innocently scoop straight from the bag too.

Fix it: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Or, if you want to be extra careful with it, use a kitchen scale for spot-on precision.

2. Skipping the Sift

I know, sifting feels like that one step nobody wants to do. But when you skip it, you risk lumpy batter or uneven rising.

Fix it: Sift those dry ingredients, especially flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. It helps lighten things up and mixes everything evenly. You'll be thankful you didn't skip this step!

3. Using Cold Ingredients When They Should Be Room Temp

If you're throwing butter, eggs, or milk in straight from the fridge, you’re basically asking your batter to act up.

Fix it: Let those ingredients sit out until they’re at room temp—about 30 to 60 minutes. Trust me, your batter will be all better because of this!

4. Overmixing the Batter

We’ve all been there—thinking the more you mix, the better it’ll be. But overmixing is how you get tough muffins or rubbery cakes. Yuck, and nobody wants that!

Fix it: Mix just until everything is combined. That’s it. Stop while you’re ahead! No need to overdo it!

5. Using Expired Baking Powder or Baking Soda

I know it's easy to forget how long that little container's been in your pantry, but expired leaveners mean no rise—and you guest it...... flat goodies.

Fix it: Check the expiration date. Not sure if it’s still good? Drop a little baking powder in warm water—it should fizz. If not, time to take a trip to the grocery store!

6. Not Preheating the Oven

This one’s big. If you pop your batter or dough in before the oven’s ready, you’re messing with the baking time and texture. I used to do this all of the time until I learned that baking requires lots of patience! We can't be eager to get it into the oven and rush.

Fix it: Always preheat. Give your oven a good 10–15 minutes to get hot and ready before baking.

7. Opening the Oven Door Too Much

I know it’s tempting to peek—but every time you open that oven door, heat escapes. That perfect rise you were waiting for? Poof—gone. Just like that!

Fix it: Use the oven light and window instead. Only open the door when it’s close to the end of the bake time.

8. Not Greasing or Lining Your Pan Right

You could have the most amazing batter in the world, but if your cake sticks to the pan? Game over.

Fix it: Grease and flour your pan, or use parchment paper. It’s worth the extra step to avoid heartbreak later.

9. Forgetting About Climate or Altitude

Humidity and elevation can totally mess with your results—especially for things like bread, meringue, or macarons. I've learned this the hard way with my bread! I had the perfect loaf......or so I thought! Humidity had a different plan!

Fix it: If you live somewhere extra humid or high up or it's just been an odd part of the season, look up adjustments specific to your area or the weather you are currently in. A few tweaks can make all the difference in the world! Trust me on this!

10. Not Letting Your Baked Goods Cool Properly

I get it—you want to dive in the second it comes out of the oven. But cutting into warm cake or cookies too early can ruin the texture. You especially want to let your bread cool properly before cutting in!

Fix it: Let it cool on a wire rack and give it time to set. I know it’s hard, but good things come to those who wait! I normally wait 30min to an hour for bread.

Final Thought from Your Baking Buddy 🍪

Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating—and you don’t have to be perfect. Most of the time, it’s just about slowing down, learning as you go, and giving yourself a little grace (and maybe a taste test along the way). So next time you tie on that apron, keep these tips in mind—and bake with confidence!

Have you made any of these mistakes before? Or do you have one I didn’t list? Tell me—I’d love to hear your baking bloopers too!