How should the cookies be arranged before baking?

Arranging cookies in one layer on the tray before baking is essential for achieving even cooking and proper texture. When cookies are placed in a single layer, it allows for adequate airflow and heat distribution around each cookie. This ensures they bake evenly, resulting in a consistent texture and color across the batch.

If cookies are stacked on top of each other or placed close together, the heat may not circulate properly, leading to uneven baking; some cookies might remain undercooked while others could become overdone. Randomly scattering them would also fail to provide the necessary spacing for even heat distribution, which can result in cookies that spread too much or don’t spread at all, affecting their shape and consistency. Thus, one layer is the optimal way to enjoy well-baked cookies.