Scoop or Spoon: A Pastry Chef’s Guide to Measuring Flour Accurately

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Flour is notoriously tricky to measure accurately by volume. Depending on how it is handled, its characteristics can change significantly, leading to different weights per cup. This variability can lead to inconsistent baking results. There are primarily two techniques for measuring flour by volume: the dipping method and the spooning method.

The Dipping Method

The dipping method, commonly known as “dip and sweep,” is often seen as the more straightforward approach for most home bakers. This technique assumes that individuals will typically dip a measuring cup directly into a bag of flour, scooping out the amount needed. The force applied during this process can influence how densely the flour packs into the cup, a factor that can vary based on how compact the flour already is. For instance, flour from a new bag tends to be more compact, while flour from a partially used bag might be lighter and more aerated. Some bakers who transfer their flour into a storage container may find their flour even more aerated. Due to these various factors, research indicates that all-purpose flour can weigh between four and six ounces per cup. Consequently, it has been standard practice to convert recipes based on an average of five ounces per cup.

The Spooning Method

In contrast, the spooning method involves using a spoon to transfer flour into a measuring cup. While this method may seem less intuitive and requires more effort, it significantly reduces the risk of compressing the flour, resulting in a more consistent measurement of approximately four and a half ounces per cup. In many culinary programs, the spooning method is taught as the most accurate way to measure flour by volume. This is also the method that will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, which emphasizes the importance of precise measurements alongside mass conversions.

The Best Way to Measure Flour

Upon joining Serious Eats, I adhered to the tradition of volume measurements derived from the dipping method, averaging a five-ounce cup of all-purpose flour. However, as I have gained expertise in baking, I felt it necessary to revert to the method I learned that yields the most reliable volume measurements.

For consistent results in measuring flour, I strongly recommend utilizing a digital kitchen scale whenever possible. For those without a scale, my recommended volume measurement for all-purpose flour will utilize the spooning method, setting each cup at a weight of four and a half ounces. Just as brown sugar is specified as “1 cup, firmly packed,” the technique for measuring flour will also be clearly stated alongside the required amount.

March 2017

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