How do you identify bad cookies?

It's not really about identifying "bad" cookies, but rather recognizing cookies that are not to your liking. Here's how to tell if a cookie is not good:

Appearance:

* Dry and crumbly: This often indicates the cookies were overbaked.

* Burnt: Obvious signs of burning, like black spots or a charred taste.

* Unevenly baked: Some parts of the cookie are raw while others are burnt.

* Pale and undercooked: Cookies should have a golden-brown color.

* Soft and spread out: This can be due to too much butter or sugar, or not enough flour.

* Flat and misshapen: May be caused by overmixing the dough or spreading too much in the oven.

Texture:

* Hard and brittle: Again, a sign of overbaking.

* Soggy and chewy: This can happen if the dough was too wet or if the cookies were stored improperly.

* Tough and rubbery: Usually a result of overmixing the dough.

Taste:

* Bland: Lack of flavor could be due to insufficient sugar or spices.

* Overpowering: Too much of a particular flavor can be overwhelming.

* Burnt: An obvious bad taste from burning.

* Stale: A stale texture and flavor that comes with time.

Other Factors:

* Storage: Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

* Ingredients: The quality of ingredients can affect the taste and texture of the cookies.

Remember: These are just general guidelines. What constitutes a "bad" cookie is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. If you're unsure, it's always best to ask the baker or the person who made the cookies.