How to Soften Cookies (3 Easy Methods)
on Mar 04, 2022
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Whether your favorite cookie is chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or peanut butter, when they become hard, they’re just not appetizing. The good news is, there are some easy ways to soften up those cookies, giving you more time to enjoy them.
There’s one thing a self-proclaimed cookie lover never wants to do – throw away perfectly good cookies! If you’ve opened up a container of cookies and noticed that they’re no longer soft, all is not lost. You can bring those cookies back to their sweet and tender glory!
How to Soften Cookies (3 Easy Methods to Make Your Hard Cookies Soft Again!)
Method 1: Microwave Them (The Fastest Way)
Your trusty microwave can do more than reheat leftovers, it’s also a great tool to add moisture to cookies. Start by adding a bit of water to some paper towels. You want them to be damp, not overly wet. Wrap each cookie in a piece of paper towel and place it in the microwave on a plate. Use the medium setting and set the timer for 15-20 seconds. The cookie will absorb some of the moisture from the paper towel and it’ll be nice and warm too! If the cookie isn’t as soft as you’d like, place it in another damp paper towel and microwave for an additional 10 seconds or so.
Method 2: Add a Slice of Bread
For this hack, you’ll need to plan ahead because it’ll take about 24 hours. Add a piece of fresh bread to the bottom of the container holding the cookies. Place the cookies on top and keep the container closed for at least 24 hours – no peeking! The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, and will be soft and chewy. If the cookies aren’t soft after 24 hours, add a fresh piece of bread, close the container, and check again after 6 hours.
Method 3: Wrap with Plastic Wrap Immediately After Baking
If you’ve just finished baking a batch of cookies and they’re slightly overdone, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap as soon as you remove them from the oven. This will keep the steam in the cookie, and will retain some moisture. Place all of the wrapped cookies in an airtight container while they’re still warm. The cookies should be nice and soft.
Tips and Tricks: How to Prevent Hard Cookies
- Measure the ingredients correctly: Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping it, and use a knife to level off the top.
- If you notice that the cookie dough has become too stiff, add a teaspoon or so of milk or butter until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Check the cookies a minute or two before they’re supposed to come out. Some ovens will cook foods faster than others. You want to remove the cookies from the oven when they’re still a bit soft in the centre, and only the edges are beginning to brown.
- Store your cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or place them in a freezer-safe container and keep them in the freezer to enjoy later.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t try to soften cookies in the oven. This will only cause them to dry out even more.
- Always wrap cookies in a damp paper towel if using the microwave to soften them.
How to Make Softer Cookies
In addition to adding a bit more milk or butter:
- Adjust the number of eggs in your recipe.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar. The flavor of the cookie may change slightly but because brown sugar is softer and has more moisture, cookies made with brown sugar are often softer and chewier as well.
- Slightly underbake your cookies. Check them a minute or two before they’re supposed to come out.
You May Also Like
How to Soften Cookies (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Ingredients
- 6 hardened cookies
- water
- paper towels
Instructions
- Add a bit of water to some paper towels. You want them to be damp, not overly wet.
- Wrap each cookie in a piece of paper towel
- Place them in the microwave on a plate.
- Use the medium setting and set the timer for 15-20 seconds. (If the cookie isn’t as soft as you’d like, place it in another damp paper towel and microwave for an additional 10 seconds or so.)
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
