Basic Bakery
Basic Bakery
The bakery sector emphasizes scientific techniques, precision in ingredients, and creative
presentation. It blends traditional methods with modern technology to meet the evolving
tastes and health preferences of consumers.
The scope of this industry is vast and growing rapidly due to increased demand for:
1. Career Opportunities
2. Industry Segments
3. Skill Development
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• Icing, glazing, tempering chocolate
• Design and decoration of cakes and pastries
• Food safety and hygiene practices
4. Entrepreneurship Scope
5. Educational Scope
• Bakery & confectionery is taught as a subject in hotel management and culinary arts
programs.
• Short-term certificate or diploma courses are also available for specialization.
6. Global Reach
With rising international demand and food tourism, Indian bakers and confectioners now also
explore global cuisines, fusion techniques, and exports.
• Executive Chef / Executive Pastry Chef: Overall in charge of the kitchen, including
the bakery section.
• Head Baker / Bakery Chef: Leads the bakery team, plans production, develops
recipes.
• Pastry Chef (Pâtissier): Specializes in pastries, desserts, and sweet baked items.
• Sous Chef – Bakery: Assists the head baker; supervises day-to-day operations.
• Boulanger: Focuses on breads – artisan, sourdough, baguettes, etc.
• Cake Artist: Specializes in cakes, fondant work, and decorative cakes.
• Chocolatier / Confectioner: Expert in chocolate work, candies, and sugar-based
products.
• Commis Bakers / Helpers: Entry-level cooks who assist in prep and daily tasks.
• Trainees / Interns: Culinary students undergoing hands-on training.
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Bread Baker Cake Maker Croissant/Puff Maker Sugar Artist Candy Maker
1. Flour
Types of Flour:
2. Water
3. Yeast
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• A leavening agent (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
• Ferments sugars to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol.
• CO₂ gets trapped in gluten network, causing dough to rise.
• Yeast also contributes to the flavor and aroma of the bread.
Types of Yeast:
• Fresh yeast
• Dry active yeast
• Instant yeast
4. Salt
• Enhances flavor.
• Strengthens gluten structure.
• Controls yeast activity, preventing over-fermentation.
• Helps achieve a better crumb structure and crust color.
6. Milk (optional)
• Tenderizes the bread by coating gluten strands, making the crumb softer and
richer.
• Adds flavor and extends shelf life.
• Helps create a finer crumb structure in enriched breads.
Cookies and biscuits are baked products made from a mixture of flour, fat, sugar, and other
ingredients. Though often used interchangeably, biscuits are usually lighter and crisper,
while cookies are softer and denser.
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1. Ingredient Selection & Measuring
Basic Ingredients:
• Let the dough rest in the fridge (15–30 min) to firm it up.
• Improves shape and prevents spreading during baking.
4. Shaping
5. Baking
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• Preheat oven (usually at 160°C – 180°C).
• Bake on trays lined with parchment paper or greased.
• Time depends on size (10–20 mins).
• Cookies should be slightly soft when removed — they harden on cooling.
6. Cooling
Ingredient Measuring
↓
Mixing (Creaming or One-Bowl)
↓
Dough Resting (Optional)
↓
Shaping or Rolling
↓
Baking
↓
Cooling
↓
Packing & Storage
Q6. Factors Affecting the Quality of Biscuits / Cookies
The texture, taste, appearance, and shelf life of biscuits and cookies depend on several factors
during preparation and baking.
1. Quality of Ingredients
• Flour: Low-gluten (soft) flour gives tender texture; high-gluten flour makes them
tough.
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• Fat: Quality and type (butter, margarine, oil) affect flavor, mouthfeel, and spread.
• Sugar: Type and amount influence sweetness, color (browning), and texture (crisp vs
chewy).
• Leavening Agents: Improper quantity of baking soda/powder affects rise and shape.
• Eggs: Add richness and moisture (more in cookies); too many can make cookies
cakey.
4. Baking Conditions
• Oven Temperature: Too hot = burnt edges, raw inside; too low = pale, dry products.
• Baking Time: Overbaking = too hard; underbaking = doughy center.
• Tray Spacing: Cookies need space to spread; overcrowding = uneven baking.
5. Moisture Content
7. Storage Conditions
These tools are essential for preparing, measuring, mixing, baking, and decorating baked
goods like bread, cookies, cakes, and pastries.
1. Oven
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• The heart of baking.
• Types: Conventional, Convection (fan-forced), Deck ovens.
3. Mixing Bowls
6. Rolling Pin
8. Sieve / Sifter
9. Pastry Brush
• Used to brush butter, egg wash, or glaze on dough and baked products.
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• Allows air circulation under baked goods for even cooling and to prevent sogginess.
13. Timer
Cooking food using dry heat in an Used to cook cakes, bread, cookies, pies,
Bake
oven. etc.
To mix two or more ingredients Used in combining wet and dry mixtures
Blend
together until smooth. evenly.
To mix fat (usually butter) and sugar Essential in cookie and cake batters for
Cream
until light and fluffy. structure and texture.
To gently mix a light mixture into a Used when adding whipped egg whites
Fold
heavier one. or cream to batter to avoid losing air.
To work dough by hand or mixer to Used in bread and pizza dough to build
Knead
develop gluten. structure and elasticity.
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Term Meaning Use in Baking
Passing dry ingredients through a Removes lumps, adds air, and ensures
Sift
sieve. even mixing.
Coating a surface with a shiny layer Gives a glossy finish to breads and
Glaze
(egg wash, sugar syrup, etc.). pastries.
Heating the oven to the desired Ensures consistent baking results from
Preheat
temperature before baking. the start.
Letting dough or batter sit before Improves gluten relaxation and flavor
Resting
baking. development.
The texture of the inside part of a Affects mouthfeel and is judged for
Crumb
baked good. quality.
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Q8. Types of Ovens – Knowledge & Working
Ovens are essential in baking for providing dry, even heat. Different types of ovens offer
different methods of heat distribution and are suitable for various baking needs.
Working:
Best for: Cakes, cookies, and recipes that require gentle, steady heat.
Pros:
Cons:
Working:
Pros:
Cons:
• Can dry out delicate baked items (like sponge cakes) if not monitored properly.
3. Deck Oven
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Working:
Best for: Artisan breads, pizza, naan, and crusty bakery products.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Rack Oven
Working:
Pros:
Cons:
• Costly.
• Requires regular maintenance.
Working:
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Best for: Quick reheating, mug cakes, basic baking in small quantities.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Rotary Oven
Working:
Pros:
Cons:
• Expensive.
• Needs proper ventilation.
7. Tunnel Oven
Working:
Pros:
• Fully automated.
• High-speed production.
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Cons:
Summary Table
Oven Type Best For Key Feature
Rack Oven Mass bread production Rotating rack, steam & convection
Rotary Oven Uniform baking in bulk Rotating trays with hot air
Q9. Confectionery Goods, suitable for hotel management, bakery students, or anyone
interested in the sweets and candy industry:
Confectionery Goods
Confectionery refers to sweet food products rich in sugar and carbohydrates. These are
usually divided into two main categories:
1. Sugar Confectionery
Made primarily from sugar or syrups, often combined with fruits, nuts, or flavorings.
Examples:
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2. Chocolate Confectionery
Made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids.
Examples:
3. Chewing Confectionery
Examples:
• Chewing gum
• Bubble gum
• Lozenges
• Mints
Though not categorized under Western confectionery, Indian sweets are a vital part of the
confectionery world.
Examples:
• Barfi
• Ladoo
• Halwa
• Peda
• Gulab Jamun
• Rasgulla
• Jalebi
• Sugar
• Glucose syrup
• Cocoa powder
• Milk solids
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• Nuts and dry fruits
• Flavouring agents (vanilla, fruit, mint)
• Colorants (natural or synthetic)
• Gelatin / Agar agar
• Butter or ghee
Catering / Buffet Featured in desserts, petit fours, and high tea setups.
Functional use Some mints and lozenges have digestive or medicinal benefits.
Q12. Cookies and Brownies — their differences, preparation, types, and characteristics —
perfect for hotel management and bakery learners.
Basic Flour, sugar, fat, eggs, baking Flour, sugar, fat, eggs,
Ingredients soda/powder, flavor cocoa/chocolate
Cookies are small baked treats made from a dough that can be dropped, rolled, or shaped
before baking. Their texture can vary from crispy to chewy to soft.
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Types of Cookies
Brownies are a rich, chocolate-based baked product made in a tray and cut into squares.
They’re denser than cakes but softer than cookies.
Types of Brownies
1. Fudgy Brownies – Rich and dense with lots of chocolate and butter.
2. Cakey Brownies – Lighter, fluffier with more flour and baking powder.
3. Chewy Brownies – Balance between fudgy and cakey.
4. Blondies – Made without cocoa/chocolate; uses brown sugar and vanilla.
• Flour – Structure
• Fat (Butter/Oil) – Moisture, richness
• Sugar – Sweetness and texture
• Eggs – Binding and richness
• Leavening Agents – Baking soda/powder (cookies); minimal in fudgy brownies
• Flavorings – Vanilla, cocoa, chocolate chips, nuts
Let brownies cool before cutting Cleaner cuts and set structure
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Q15. Types of Cookies with descriptions — useful for hotel management students, bakery
learners, and home bakers:
Types of Cookies
Cookies can be categorized based on how they’re shaped and baked. Here are the 7 main
types:
1. Drop Cookies
• Definition: Soft dough is dropped by spoon or scoop onto the baking sheet.
• Texture: Soft and chewy, sometimes slightly crisp on edges.
• Examples:
o Chocolate chip cookies
o Oatmeal raisin cookies
2. Rolled Cookies
• Definition: Dough is rolled flat and cut with cookie cutters into shapes.
• Texture: Firm, holds shape well.
• Examples:
o Sugar cookies
o Gingerbread cookies
3. Bar Cookies
• Definition: Dough is spread in a pan, baked, and cut into bars or squares.
• Texture: Fudgy or cakey.
• Examples:
o Brownies (technically a type of bar cookie)
o Lemon bars
o Blondies
4. Molded Cookies
5. Pressed Cookies
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• Texture: Buttery and delicate.
• Examples:
o Spritz cookies
o Churros (if baked)
• Definition: Dough is rolled into a log, chilled, then sliced and baked.
• Texture: Crisp and uniform.
• Examples:
o Pinwheel cookies
o Vanilla and chocolate swirl cookies
7. No-Bake Cookies
• Definition: Made without baking; mixture is cooked on the stove and cooled to set.
• Texture: Chewy or crunchy.
• Examples:
o Chocolate-oatmeal no-bake cookies
o Coconut balls
Rolled Cookies Rolled and cut with cutters Sugar cookies, gingerbread
Refrigerator Cookies Sliced from chilled dough logs Pinwheels, swirl cookies
Q16. Mixing Methods of Cookies — essential for hotel management students, bakery
professionals, and home bakers to understand how the mixing technique affects cookie
texture, spread, and structure.
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Mixing Methods of Cookies
There are 3 main mixing methods used in cookie making, depending on the desired texture
and type of cookie:
Steps:
1. Cream butter (or fat) and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and beat well.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt).
4. Add mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.).
Used For:
Result:
Steps:
Used For:
Result:
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3. Whipping (Foaming) Method
Steps:
Used For:
• Meringue-based cookies
• Ladyfingers
• Macarons
Result:
• Rubbed-in Method: Fat is rubbed into flour (like in shortcrust or sablé cookies).
• Reverse Creaming: Flour and fat are mixed first, then sugar and eggs. Results in
tender, fine crumb.
Summary Table
Creaming Method Incorporates air, soft texture Chocolate chip, sugar, and chewy cookies
One-Bowl Method Quick, less air, dense texture Shortbread, basic butter cookies
Whipping Method Light and foamy, egg-based Meringue, macarons, sponge-style cookies
Proper storage of cookie dough helps maintain texture, flavor, hygiene, and baking
performance. Different types of dough require different storage methods depending on their
ingredients and structure.
• Storage Method:
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o Portion into scoops or balls
o Place on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or
ziplock bag
• Fridge: 2–3 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Tip: Bake directly from frozen with 1–2 min extra time.
• Storage Method:
o Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap
o Chill or freeze
• Fridge: 3–5 days
• Freezer: 1–2 months
• Tip: Thaw in fridge before rolling and cutting.
• Storage Method:
o Form into shape or ball, then chill or freeze
• Fridge: 2–3 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Tip: Freeze dough shapes on tray, then store in container.
• Storage Method:
o Roll into logs, wrap tightly in plastic or parchment paper
• Fridge: 1 week
• Freezer: 2–3 months
• Tip: Slice from frozen and bake directly.
• Storage Method:
o Store in airtight container
• Fridge: 3–5 days
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• Freezer: Up to 1 month
• Tip: Since there’s no baking, always store in cool temperatures.
Use airtight containers or wrap tightly Prevents drying, freezer burn, and odor absorption
Chill dough before freezing Helps dough firm up and retain shape
Summary Table
Type of Cookie Dough Fridge (Days) Freezer (Months) Form Before Freezing
Q18. Cake Making Methods, suitable for hotel management students, professional bakers,
or enthusiastic home bakers:
Different cake types require different mixing methods to achieve desired textures, volume,
and softness. Each method incorporates air and ingredients in a unique way.
Steps:
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Result:
Used For:
Steps:
1. All ingredients are placed in the bowl together and mixed until smooth.
Result:
Used For:
Steps:
1. Eggs and sugar are whisked together until thick and airy.
2. Gently fold in flour and melted butter (optional).
Result:
Used For:
4. Rubbing-In Method
Steps:
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Result:
Used For:
5. Melting Method
Steps:
Result:
Used For:
6. Blending Method
Steps:
1. Dry and wet ingredients are prepared separately and then mixed.
Result:
Used For:
Summary Table
Method Key Feature Best For
Creaming Cream fat and sugar for fluffiness Pound cake, butter cake
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Method Key Feature Best For
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34. Boule – A round loaf of bread.
35. Brioche – A rich, buttery bread.
36. Tart – A pastry with a filling in a shallow crust.
37. Turnover – A pastry filled and folded over itself.
38. Viennoiserie – Baked goods made from laminated dough (e.g., croissants).
39. Retarding – Slowing dough fermentation by refrigeration.
40. Sablé – A French-style shortbread cookie.
41. Baba – A small yeast cake soaked in syrup, often rum-flavored.
42. Pâte à choux – A light pastry dough used for éclairs, profiteroles, and cream puffs.
43. Croquembouche – A tower of cream puffs bound with caramel.
44. Danish – A layered pastry with various sweet or savory fillings.
45. Entremet – A multi-layered, mousse-based dessert cake.
46. Florentine – A crisp, thin cookie made with nuts, fruit, and caramel.
47. Frangipane – A sweet almond cream filling used in pastries and tarts.
48. Génoise – An Italian sponge cake made without chemical leavening.
49. Linzer – A pastry made with almond flour, often filled with jam.
50. Macaron – A delicate meringue-based sandwich cookie.
51. Madeleine – A small shell-shaped sponge cake.
52. Pain au chocolat – A French pastry filled with dark chocolate.
53. Pâte sucrée – A sweet shortcrust pastry dough.
54. Pâte brisée – A basic pie or tart crust dough (unsweetened).
55. Religieuse – A French pastry with two choux buns stacked and filled with cream.
56. Soufflé – A baked dish with egg whites, sweet or savory, that rises high.
57. Strudel – A layered pastry with a filling, often apple or cheese.
58. Tuiles – Thin, crisp cookies shaped like roof tiles.
59. Vienna bread – Slightly sweet yeast bread with a tender crumb.
60. Zabaglione – A light Italian custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and wine.
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