At Little Jaye Bakery in Seattle, we hear all kinds of baking “rules” floating around. Some are helpful, but a lot of them? Just myths that make baking feel scarier than it should. Let’s set the record straight on three of the biggest ones—because great baking (and the best cookies in Seattle) shouldn’t be wrapped up in kitchen rumors.
1. You Must Follow Recipes Exactly
Baking is often called a science, and yes—ratios matter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t adjust. Want more cinnamon in your muffins? Do it. Prefer dark chocolate over semi-sweet? Swap it in. The backbone of a recipe (flour, sugar, fat, eggs) needs balance, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. At our Seattle bakery, we tweak flavors constantly to keep pastries exciting and seasonal.
2. Yeast Is Tricky and Unpredictable
Yeast has an intimidating reputation, but it’s actually one of the most forgiving ingredients. Warm water (not hot), a little sugar, and patience are all it really needs. Think of yeast like a pet—it just wants to be comfortable and fed, and it’ll reward you with beautifully risen dough. If you’ve had our fresh breads or breakfast sandwiches at Little Jaye, you’ve seen firsthand that yeast doesn’t have to be scary—it just has to be treated right.
3. Gluten-Free Baking Means Dry and Flavorless
This one makes us laugh every time—especially after you’ve tried our gluten-free blueberry muffins. The truth is, gluten-free flours and recipes have come a long way. With the right balance of moisture and flavor, gluten-free baking can be just as rich, fluffy, and delicious as traditional bakes. That’s why so many locals searching for gluten-free pastries in Seattle end up coming back for seconds.
Final Bite
Baking doesn’t have to feel like walking a tightrope of strict rules. Once you let go of the myths, you open the door to creativity, flavor, and a lot more fun in the kitchen. And if you ever want proof, just swing by Little Jaye Bakery in South Park, Seattle—where the pastries are fresh, the cookies are legendary, and the baking myths don’t stand a chance.