These days, one of the most challenging things about baking is following the recipe. After all, it is an undeniable fact that not everyone has a talent for cooking, let alone baking something. That is why most would prefer getting gourmet cookies in Frisco instead of making one from scratch. But what if you suddenly had the urge to make one yourself? After all, you love cookies so much that you gave yourself the title of a cookie expert.
You have to bear in mind that cookies can go from chewy to burnt in a matter of minutes. That is why it is essential to know the right moment to take them out of the oven and let them cool. To explain how things are done, here a few ways to tell whether your cookies are completely baked:
The Spatula Test
Recipes for a typical sugar cookie cutout often ask you to wait until the edges of each cookie are firm. You can know if they are all appropriately baked if the cookies no longer appear mushy and melty. To determine if they are cooked right until the very center, try nudging them with a spatula. You can also use it to lightly press the cookies’ edges to know if they are firm. This technique is also applicable to cookies that are dark in color. Since gingerbread cookies are quite dark, it can be difficult to tell when the edges or bottoms are dark brown. Gently nudging them using a spatula will help you check if the boundaries are firm.
The Slightly Brown Bottom Test
Some sugar cookies, as well as pale cookies, need to have slightly brown bottoms. Since you will not see the bottom part at first glance, you need to lift it from the cookie sheet gently. Be sure to use a spatula so that you will not get your hands burned. This test is also applicable to other cookies, such as oatmeal and peanut butter cookies.
The Indentation Test
You will know if the chocolate chip cookie is all set when it is chewy on the center and crisp on the edges. Although it is a bit tricky at first, you need to remember that cookies will harden only when they are cooked. You will know if the cookies are ready once you see brown edges. It means that you can poke the corner of the cookie without leaving any indentation. To avoid underbaking it, try looking at the center and see if it has a golden color and has already lost its sheen.
In the end, these are just a few ways to know if your cookies are all set. Bear in mind that baking is tricky. With that in mind, do not be too hard on yourself if you fail in baking your first batch. Let them cool on the pan to help them set a bit more. Doing so will make the cookies much firmer. If you feel unsure, you can seek the help of professionals.