How do you brown baked goods?

1. Egg Wash: Brushing the surface of your baked goods with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a little water) before baking will help to give them a shiny, golden brown crust.

* The egg wash dries and coagulates during baking, forming a crisp and glossy layer on top.

2. Sugar: Adding a small amount of sugar to the surface of your baked goods before baking can also help to promote browning.

* The sugar will caramelize during baking, giving your goods a deep brown color and a slightly crispy texture.

* Some common options includes sprinkling granulated sugar, demerara sugar, or raw sugar (such as turbinado) on top.

3. Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda brushed onto the surface of baked goods before baking can also help to enhance browning.

* The baking soda reacts with the sugars in the dough, which leads to the Maillard reaction and promotes browning.

4. Dark Baking Pans: Using dark-colored baking pans, such as metal or anodized aluminum pans, can also help to promote browning in baked goods. These materials absorb and distribute heat more efficiently, leading to better crust formation and browning.

5. Position in the Oven: Placing your baked goods in the upper third of the oven can help to encourage browning compared to the center or lower rack position.

6. Oven Temperature: Adjusting the oven temperature can also affect browning. Increasing the temperature by 25-50°F (10-25°C) for the last few minutes of baking can help to promote crust browning without overcooking the inside.

7. Broiling: For certain baked goods, broiling for a short time at the end of baking can quickly add the desired level of browning to the surface. Keep a close eye on items under the broiler as they can quickly burn.

It's important to keep an eye on baked goods carefully so you can remove them as soon as they are cooked to your desired level of browning without overbaking.