Cookies: An Recipe for Joy
The whole world loves cookies. Whether you call them cookies, biscuits, galletas, or keks, these sweet, cake-like confections have been delighting people for centuries. Culinary historians believe that the first cookie was created in 7th century Persia, and bakers have been creating new recipes ever since.
Enjoying a warm and gooey cookie is one of those simple joys in life that evokes feelings of comfort and pleasure. But sometimes you reach into the jar expecting a soft cookie and instead get hard crunchy hockey puck. Whether it’s due to a mistake in the baking process or because the cookie is getting stale, a hard cookie is a real disappointment.
Don’t let it get you down. With one simple trick you can turn that tough cookie into the chewy delight you were hoping for.
Tough Cookies? Soften Them Up!
The best way to soften up those hard cookies is something you probably already have in your kitchen… bread! That’s right, a piece of fresh bread will make those tough treats soft and chewy. You will need:
- Hard cookies
- Airtight container with a lid
- Slice of fresh bread
Simply lay the bread at the bottom of the container and pile your cookies on top of it, seal the lid, and wait a few hours. The cookies will soak up all the moisture from the bread and by the next morning, they will taste as good as the day they came out of the oven gooey.
There is one caveat to this method, that is don’t use flavored bread. A heavily spiced loaf will affect the taste of whatever else is in the jar. This might not be such a bad thing if the flavors are complementary, like banana bread and sugar cookies or cinnamon loaf and oatmeal raisin cookies, but a lesser appealing combo could ruin your dessert.
Out of bread? Before you run to the store, try using an apple slice in place of the fresh bread. The same caveat applies though, your cookies may take on the apple’s flavor (which could be lovely!)
How NOT to Soften Hard Cookies
You may wonder how you have gone your whole life without learning about this simple and effective cookie saving trick. And now that you do know, you can stop making these common cookie softening mistakes:
- Putting them back in the oven. This is the number one way to ensure that your cookies will never regain their chewy texture. The heat of the oven will only dry them out more and make them hard as rocks.
- Microwaving them. If you cover your cookies with a wet paper towel and nuke them for a few seconds, they should soften up enough to eat. The problem is they will get really hot and melty. By the time they cool down to a temperature you can handle, they will be harder and drier than they were to begin with.
Prevent Hard Cookies
The best way to prevent hard cookies is to avoid doing the things that cause them in the first place. Remember that they continue to cook as long as they’re hot, even after they’ve been taken out of the oven. Pull them out just before they are done to achieve a tray of perfectly baked cookies.
The second way to avoid having hard cookies is to eat them within a couple of days. You won’t need to look too far to find plenty of hungry people willing to help you accomplish this tasty task!
If this post is making you hungry, you can order cookies online through Whisked! If cookies aren't your jam, we also have mail order pies. Satisfy you sweet tooth today!
Written by Jenna Huntsberger
As a seasoned culinary enthusiast with a deep passion for the art of baking, I'm here to shed light on the fascinating world of cookies and share insights into the realm of making these delightful treats a source of pure joy. My extensive experience in the culinary domain, coupled with a profound understanding of historical nuances, equips me to navigate through the evolution of cookies across cultures and time.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, "Cookies: A Recipe for Joy."
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History of Cookies: Culinary historians trace the origins of cookies back to 7th-century Persia. Throughout history, bakers worldwide have continued to innovate, creating a diverse array of recipes for these sweet, cake-like confections.
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Joy of Cookies: The article emphasizes the universal love for cookies and their role in evoking feelings of comfort and pleasure. Enjoying a warm and gooey cookie is depicted as one of life's simple joys.
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Common Cookie Dilemma: Hard vs. Soft: The disappointment of encountering hard, crunchy cookies is a relatable experience. The article discusses the possible reasons for cookies becoming tough, including mistakes in the baking process or staleness.
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Softening Hard Cookies: The Bread Trick: A valuable tip is shared for softening hard cookies using a common kitchen item—bread. Placing a slice of fresh bread at the bottom of an airtight container, along with the cookies, helps restore their chewy texture by allowing them to absorb moisture from the bread.
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Caveats and Alternatives: The article warns against using flavored bread, as it may affect the taste of the cookies. Additionally, it suggests using apple slices as an alternative to fresh bread, with the caveat that the cookies may take on the apple's flavor.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid: Oven and Microwave: The article educates readers on what not to do when attempting to soften hard cookies. Putting cookies back in the oven or microwaving them is discouraged, as these methods can further dry out the cookies or make them hot and melty.
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Preventing Hard Cookies: Baking Tips: The best way to prevent hard cookies is to avoid actions that lead to their hardness in the first place. The article advises pulling cookies out of the oven just before they are done to achieve perfectly baked treats. Eating cookies within a couple of days is another preventive measure.
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Online Ordering: Whisked! Cookies and Pies: The article concludes by suggesting readers satisfy their sweet tooth by ordering cookies online through Whisked! The inclusion of mail-order pies provides an alternative for those with different dessert preferences.
In conclusion, this article not only provides practical tips for rescuing hard cookies but also imparts valuable knowledge about the history, joy, and nuances of the beloved treat. As a culinary aficionado, I wholeheartedly endorse these insights for anyone seeking to elevate their cookie experience.
