How do I keep cookies from burning on the bottom?
Every time I make cookies they burn on the bottom. Is there a way to prevent this?
Best Answer
It's always helpful when cooking to think about the different ways that the heat is being transferred to your food. In the case of baking we have (primarily) conducted heat from the pan to the bottom of your cookies, convection taking place from the hot air circulating to the top of your cookies, and radiative heat from the heating element in the oven. It's more than likely the heating element in your oven is on the bottom, which is causing the pan to transfer the heat to the pan faster than ideal, causing the bottoms to burn.
One way to mitigate this is to adjust the distance between the heating elements and the pan by moving it to a higher rack or adjusting the rack height. If, on the highest rack, you're still getting burnt bottoms, you might try putting an empty sheet pan, casserole dish, pizza stone, etc. to try and block some of that direct heat.
Alternatively, you might also try, as moscafj suggests, bumping the temp down to 350F. Depending on how well-done you like your cookies, you might have to extend the baking time a minute or two to compensate.
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Quick Answer about "How do I keep cookies from burning on the bottom?"
Instead of greasing your cookie sheet, line it with a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Either will prevent sticking and help protect the bottoms of your cookies.Why are my cookies burning at the bottom?
In short, your cookies may have burned on the bottom because your oven temperature readings are off, your cookie sheet is too dark, your cookies were baked on a lower rack, the heat was too high, or you baked the cookies right on the sheet without any parchment paper.How do you make cookies without burning the edges?
8 Ways to Prevent Cookies from Burning on the BottomWhy are my cookies burnt on the bottom and raw in the middle?
The cookie sheet may be too large for the oven and not allowing sufficient heat circulation. The heat is trapped under the pan and the cookies will burn on the bottom before the tops are brown. We recommend at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches around the cookie sheet. The oven door may have been opened too often.More answers regarding how do I keep cookies from burning on the bottom?
Answer 2
I would first get a thermometer that you can keep in your oven so that you can measure the temperature accurately. Home ovens are notoriously inaccurate. Secondly, I would try to use a good quality baking sheet. One that has some heft to it, as it will better conduct the heat. Finally, I would bake the cookies at 350 F.
Answer 3
Invest in a cooling rack. When you remove the cookies from the oven transfer them to the cooling rack so the bottoms can cool. Otherwise the risidual heat from your cookie sheet can burn your cookies. (They also make cookie sheets that are designed to cool quicker but a cooling rack is still ideal)
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