Cookie Tips and Tricks

Ok. This topic was a little difficult for me to think of. Yes, I know that I am good at several different things, but putting them into words is hard to do. Because you all probably don't want to learn piano 1:1 (and because I can't teach over the interwebs...yet!), here's a random piece of advice to help you all make the best chocolate chip cookies:

I'm partial to the Mrs. Field's recipe for a richer cookie, or if you're in the mood for a lighter crisper cookie, I love Ina Garten's recipe. But here's the number one tip for cookie baking:

1. always take them out earlier rather than later. Yes in every cookbook the author tells you that they'll look underdone when you take them out, but then, if you're anything like me, you'll look in the oven, see the underdone-ness, and leave them in for a minute or two more, just for good measure. DON'T DO THAT! Because it completely ruins the texture and makes them harder and the flavors aren't as good. 
2. Also, another tip when baking cookies, and this was something that took me a long time to learn, is let every ingredient fully mix in before adding another ingredient to the bowl. I've messed this up so many times I can't even tell you! But it makes such a difference in the texture of the dough, and ultimately in the taste of the cookie. So one at a time! and let each fully incorporate before adding another one in. 
3. And this is an obvious tip: don't leave the kitchen until all the dough is made! Sounds obvious. But it's just so tempting to leave...and then you end up with smoke in your oven! Don't do it!

So there are some of my tips and tricks that I've learned and I now call myself a chocolate chip cookie pro!

What's one thing that you're good at that you could teach me? (or anyone else for that matter!)