Help! When Are My Cookies Done Baking?
Cookies come in many shades and consistencies, so trying to take each unique recipe out of the oven at exactly the right time can cause TOTAL. COOKIE. CONFUSION. Read our guide and learn how to bake cookies perfectly every time.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies; recipe and photo by Annalise Sandberg
The secret to baking a perfect cookie is knowing how to tell when it is done. Every type of cookie has its own characteristics and visual cues. Some are thick and chewy; others are delicate and crispy.
Just like brownies and cakes have doneness indicators (looking at you, toothpick test!), cookies need some love and attention, too.
Here are some baking tips and popular tested methods, sorted by type of cookie, so you can bake cookies perfectly every time.
Jump ahead to:
When are my drop cookies done? >>
When are my ice box and rolled cookies done? >>
When are my shortbread cookies done? >>
When are my French macarons done? >>
When are my gluten-free cookies done? >>
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When are my drop cookies done?
Drop cookies are made with a soft, sticky batter that you "drop" on a cookie sheet with a spoon or scoop. Oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate chip cookies are all drop cookies. These types of cookies change a lot during baking, and even after baking (known as carryover cooking). First, the cookie dough balls spread. Then they lose that shiny, “raw” appearance and the surface begins to look dry. You can tell they are done when their edges turn golden brown. The key is not to let the edges become too dark, or you’ve entered overbaking status.
Since temperature is important for drop cookies, use an oven thermometer to ensure the oven is accurate, set your timer for the minimum (not maximum!) baking time listed in the recipe, and preheat your oven completely before putting your cookies in the oven. When you do take the cookies out of the oven, leave them on the parchment paper or baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a cooling rack so the cookies have a chance to set without getting squished by a spatula.
If the cookie is dark-colored, like a chocolate cookie or a molasses cookie, it’s hard to judge by color. Instead, check the surface; it should look dry. You can also tell by touch — the edges should be firm (be careful not to burn yourself — a quick poke will do!). But the centers should still be a little soft because drop cookies firm up more as they cool.
When are my ice box and rolled cookies done?
Ice box cookies (sugar cookies rolled into a tube and sliced) and rolled cookies (often sugar cookies that are rolled out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters and sometimes decorated afterward) are made with a stiffer dough. They usually don't spread much on the baking sheet during baking. Just like with drop cookies, look for a dry surface and some color at the edges. But unlike drop cookies, they should not feel soft in the middle when you touch them. Of course, if the cookie dough is dark-colored, like chocolate sugar cookies or gingerbread, you have to determine when they are done by texture alone. It’s always a good idea to start testing cookies before the recommended baking time is finished.
When are my shortbread cookies done?
The perfect shortbread cookie hardly takes on any color when it bakes. Shortbread cookies have many different names — pecan sandies, sablés, meltaways — but all have very lightly golden brown edges and a slightly puffed, dry-looking surface when they are done. They should be set in the middle and firm, but with just a little give.
When are my French macarons done?
These delicate, elegant cookies are very much in fashion. They do need a little bit of finesse. When perfectly baked, French macarons should have a flat bottom, a rough-looking, puffed edge, and a glossy dome.
When are my gluten-free cookies done?
Gluten-free cookies could use many different types of flours, but the blanket indicator for whether or not a gluten-free cookie is done is if it's set. Look for some puffing, a dry surface, and some firmness around the edges.
Keep baking
There are thousands of cookie recipes to choose from on Yummly! In the mood for crispy and delicate, or dense and chewy? You’ll find just the right cookie recipe for your mood here. Looking for guidance on brownies and other bar cookies? We’ve got all the tips you need in the articles below.