Burning an entire batch of cookies can be a real bummer, especially when you think you did everything right. So, having a few tricks up your sleeve to help fix burnt cookies can save you a lot of time and stress.
If you need to know how to fix burnt cookies, you might want to consider lowering the temperature of your oven, taking your cookies out a little sooner, scraping the burnt section off, or using your cookies for something else.
No matter how burnt your cookies are, there are a few ways to stop them from burning again, or at the very least, repurposing the bad batch so you won’t waste all that effort.
Why Did My Cookies Burn?
More often than not, burned cookies have little to do with the ingredients and prep work and everything to do with the baking process.
If your cookies often burn, here are a few of the most common reasons this might occur.
- The oven temperature was too high: Even if you cook your batter for the correct amount of time, you will still risk burning your cookies if the temperature is off by even a few degrees.
- The pan is too close to the heat source: Consider lowering an oven rack if your cookies always come out burnt. Having the cookie sheet too close to the heating element will burn your cookies and cook them unevenly.
- You cooked the cookies for too long: If your cookies burn with the temperature at the perfect setting, you might have cooked your cookies a few minutes too long.
Why Are My Cookies Burnt on the Bottom?
One of the most common reasons cookies burn on the bottom is that your cookie pan is too dark. While it might seem a little strange that the color of your bakeware can impact how it works, it does.
Because dark colors warm up quicker and retain heat, the part of the cookie touching the bottom of the pan will get hotter and stay that way longer.
How to Fix Burnt Cookies
It is going to be much easier to take precautions ahead of time to ensure your cookies don’t burn in the first place. However, if you find yourself in a situation where the damage is already done, and you’re wondering how to save burnt cookies, here are a few great tricks to try.
Scrape It Off
This quick fix is not just easy; it works exceptionally well. If you are dealing with slightly burnt cookies, whether on the top or the bottom, you can simply use a knife or cheese grater to scrape off the dark parts.
Toss It in the Microwave
Sometimes burnt cookies don’t taste all that bad, but they can be so hard that it is difficult to bite into them. If you are looking for a great tip on softening burnt cookies, tossing them into the microwave is one of your best bets.
If you are trying this method, make sure you only nuke your cookies right before you eat them; it won’t take long for them to cool and go back to being a brick.
Coat It in Frosting and Other Toppings
Another way to hide slightly burnt cookies is to cover the flavor with something sweet. Consider topping burnt cookies with frosting, candy, or melted chocolate to drown out that charcoal taste.
Turn It into Another Delicious Treat
Even if you decide to cut the tops or bottoms off of the burnt cookie, you can still end up with a bitter burnt taste or just an unattractive snack. To deal with this situation, you can always turn damaged baked goods into something better.
One option is adding a little vanilla ice cream or whipped cream between two cookies to create a yummy ice cream sandwich. You could also break them into tiny pieces to use as a topping on other tasty desserts.
Why Are My Cookies Burnt on Bottom, Raw On Top?
Unevenly baked cookies can get extremely frustrating when it happens time after time. If this issue is recurring, there are a few things you might have to change.
- Your cookie sheet is too big: Cookie sheets that are too big for your oven can prevent all parts of the pan from getting the same amount of heat.
- You greased the pan: Greasing the baking sheet will cause your cookies’ bottoms to burn. Instead, try using parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
- You didn’t preheat the oven: If you do not preheat your oven, you place your cookies into uneven heat, and they will start to bake from the bottom up.
- Your cookie sheets are too close together: If you put multiple cookie sheets into the oven at the same time, make sure each one has plenty of space so the air and heat inside can circulate properly.
Why Are My Cookies Burnt on Top, Raw On Bottom?
Now, if your issue is that your cookies burn on the top and are still raw on the bottom, you are probably placing the cookie sheet too close to the heating element on the top of your oven. Lower the racks or move your cookie sheet to the middle rack and leave the top rack empty.
Fixing Super Burnt Cookies
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to fix super burnt cookies. Once your cookies turn black, there is no fix at all that can take that terrible burnt flavor away. If your cookies are burnt beyond recognition, it is time to toss them out.
How to Get Burnt Cookies Off the Pan
After you burn your cookies, you still have to remove them from the pan. If your crispy cookie is salvageable, you can remove them from the pan with a spatula or use a knife to cut off the bottom part that is stuck on.
If you are trying to clean up a burnt mess stuck to your favorite cookie sheets, here are a few things to try to get it off:
- Mild dish soap and warm water mixture
- Warm water and baking soda paste
- Vinegar and baking soda solution
For all three options, let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen up the debris, making it easier to wipe the pan clean.
Final Thoughts
Burning a batch of cookies can be incredibly frustrating. But before you give up baking altogether, try one of these expert tips and tricks to save your batter from ending up in the trash.
