Cup measurements: shake or scrape? When you are measuring out your flour, sugar, etc with the measuring cups, is it better to


scoop and then shake the cup to get a leveled cup, or
scoop and then use a knife to scrape off the excess. 


I have been using the first method but will it make a difference?
I suggest to measure by weight as you'll never go wrong.

Otherwise, I use your second method which is to scoop then use a knifed to rid of excess flour.

Flour is so fluffy and needs to be compacted (somewhat) to get a true cup, therefore measuring by weight always guarantees the same amount of flour.