Save your next batch of unintentionally crunchy cookies with our easy tips! We'll show you how to soften hard cookies so you can enjoy chewy, gooey cookies no matter what.
If you are a chewy cookie lover, biting into the perfect texture is essential. There is nothing worse than spending an afternoon baking a big batch of cookies, only to find out the next morning that they’ve gone crunchy and hard. This is enough to enrage any baker or cookie devotee, but it’s no reason to toss your cookies (literally). Here’s how to soften hard cookies so they taste freshly baked again. You already have everything you need in your pantry, or should I say your breadbox?
How to Soften Hard Cookies with a Slice of Bread
The only thing that you need to soften up a batch of too-hard cookies is a slice of bread. I learned this trick from my mom after she saw me turn up my nose one too many times at crispy chocolate chip cookies (self-proclaimed gooey, chewy cookie fiend here!). To remedy the problem, she’d take the heel off a loaf of bread and pop it into the storage container or cookie jar. In a few hours, the cookies would be magically chewy again! My mom was (and still is) a kitchen genius.
Why does bread keep cookies soft?
Bread keeps cookies soft by transferring its moisture to cookies that have naturally lost theirs due to time and exposure to air. As cookies begin to harden, they absorb the moisture from the bread, so the cookies stay soft and the bread becomes as dry and crisp as a crouton. This simple tip may seem too good to be true, but trust me when I say it’s saved many a batch of cookies over the years.
With that in mind, it’s important to use fresh store-bought or homemade bread when performing this cookie-saving maneuver. After all, if you’re sticking a stale piece of baguette inside, the cookies won’t have much moisture to soak up. Also, avoid strongly flavored breads. You don’t want to ruin your grandma’s favorite vintage cookie recipe with the taste of caraway rye or herbed focaccia. A slice of regular white or wheat sandwich bread works best.
Other Ways to Bring Cookies Back to Life
- Microwave: Wrap your cookie in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave in 5-to-10 second bursts until the cookie has softened to your liking. Be careful when taking the cookie out of the microwave, especially if it has chocolate chips, as they can be very hot and melty.
- Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees and place your hardened cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Bake the cookies until they’ve softened, anywhere from one to five minutes, depending on their thickness. Don’t bake them for too long, or they’ll become even crispier.
- Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees. Add the cookies and air-fry them just until they’re warmed through and softened, one or two minutes. Check them often because just like the oven, if they cook for too long, they will become even harder.
- Milk/hot beverage: This low-tech method is my favorite! Simply dip a hardened cookie in a glass of milk, hot cocoa, tea or coffee until it’s soaked and softened and take a bite.
For the three methods that use an appliance to heat, use them only to soften cookies that have no frosting, sprinkles or fillings, as those elements can melt or burn.
How to Make Cookies Soft Again FAQ
Why do cookies harden?
Cookies harden as they lose moisture, usually because they’re exposed to air. It’s important to store cookies in an airtight food container or cookie jar to prevent them from drying out. For the chewiest cookies possible, make sure you use softened butter (not melted!) when mixing the dough and let the cookies hang out in the fridge or freeze for 30 minutes before baking. Both of these tips will help prevent the cookies from spreading while they bake, resulting in the chewiest cookie.
How do you prevent cookies from hardening?
Knowing how to store cookies correctly is the key to preventing them from hardening in the first place. Once your cookies have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, cookie jar or large zip-top bag and seal it well, removing as much air as possible. If your cookies still harden, pop in a slice of bread to soften them up again.
What do you do if you can’t fix cookies that are too hard?
If your cookies have hardened and you can’t revive them, repurpose them! Some of my favorite ways are:
- Pie crust: Finely crush 15 to 20 cookies and mix them with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Press the crumbs into a pie plate and fill with any no-bake pie filling.
- Cake decor: Crumble the cookies to your desired size and sprinkle around the edge or on the side of a layered cake.
- Yogurt topping: Crush your cookies (and some toasted pecans, if you like) and sprinkle them over vanilla Greek yogurt for a sweet, indulgent breakfast. If you’re not into sweet breakfasts, use these crumbs to top ice cream or pudding instead.
Watch Cookie Baking Tips and Tricks
