Test it: Know when cookies and brownies are done

Here are our tips to determining when cookies and brownies are done.

Cookies

» We think most cookies are best when they are chewy. This means taking them out of the oven when they are slightly underdone - in fact, the cookies are often so soft they will droop over the end of a spatula. Bake cookies on parchment and cool on baking sheet for a few minutes; after they have set up slightly, slide the parchment onto a cooling rack. If the cookies have crevices, the crevices should appear moist. When baking smooth cookies, look at the edges, which should be lightly browned; the center should be set but not fully dry.

Brownies

» Overbaked brownies are dry and chalky and the chocolate flavor is diminished. Use the skewer test to determine doneness, but look for moist sticky crumbs.

- Cook's Illustrated