How to Tell When Cookies and Brownies Are Done (2024)

June 3, 2017

There's nothing like a cookie or brownie that’s been baked to perfection-not too soft, not too crunchy. These simple tips will help you bake perfectly done treats every time.

Cookies

• Check cookies at the minimum baking time. Even one minute can make a difference! Continue checking them every minute until done.
• Once they're out of the oven, immediately transfer the cookies from the hot sheet to a cooling rack using a spatula (unless the recipe specifies otherwise). Keeping them on the sheet too long after baking can cause them to get hard or stick to the sheet.
• Cookies are done when they are firmly set and lightly browned. When you touch them lightly with your finger, almost no imprint will remain.

Brownies

• For cake-like brownies, take them out of the oven when they just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• For fudgy brownies, bake within the time range stated in the recipe.
• For very moist brownies, take them out toward the minimum baking time. For moist, but less "wet"brownies, take them out toward the end of the time range.