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If you don’t enjoy the hard and dry texture of stale cookies, then your best bet is to go for the softer ones, but that doesn’t mean you have to discard the hard ones. There are ways to get them soft, and we explore some of them in this short brief.
By Cookist
Bringing hard, dry cookies back to their delicious, chewy state may sound like a magic trick that fails, but there is no doubt about it; it is possible.
Before we examine how to soften them up, let's examine why they get so dry in the first place.
Why Cookies Get Hard
Cookies harden when the moisture in them evaporates. This can happen if you leave them out in the air for too long, baking them for too long, or storing them improperly. The lack of moisture makes the cookies hard and dry, thereby making them difficult to enjoy.
Softening Hard Cookies Without Bread
There are a few well-known methods for softening cookies. Some include microwaving them, heating them in the oven, and placing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. However, not all of these methods work equally well.
For example, microwaving or steaming cookies can cause them to become too soft. If you’re using a microwave or oven to soften your stale cookies, here’s what to do:
How to Soften Cookies in the Microwave:
- Place the stale cookies on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave them in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until they become soft. Be careful not to overdo it; the cookies can become too soft or lose their texture.
How to Soften Cookies in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the stale cookies in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for about 5-10 minutes. Check them regularly to avoid overheating or burning.
How To Soften Cookies Using Bread
The easiest way to do this is to place the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread and leave them for a few hours. The bread will release moisture, rehydrating the cookies, and making them soft and chewy once again. Be sure to monitor the cookies closely to avoid over-softening them.
Other Ways To Soften Cookies
Another great way to soften cookies is by putting them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel. The paper towel will release moisture and help to soften the cookies without making them too soft or mushy.
If you don’t want to do that, you can place the cookies in a plastic bag with a slice of apple or a damp tea towel. Both methods work well to rehydrate cookies without the risk of making them too soft.
Conclusion
There are many ways to soften your cookies. Whether you prefer to use bread, tea towels, or fruit, one method is sure to work for you.
