What is a burnt cookie?

A burnt cookie is a cookie that has been overbaked, resulting in a dark, crispy, and often bitter exterior. Here's what makes it a burnt cookie:

* Color: Burnt cookies have a dark brown or even black color, significantly darker than a properly baked cookie.

* Texture: The outside of a burnt cookie is hard and crispy, often to the point of being brittle. The inside may also be dry and crumbly.

* Taste: The burnt flavor is usually the most obvious sign. It's a bitter, unpleasant taste that can overpower the other flavors of the cookie.

Causes of Burnt Cookies:

* Overbaking: This is the most common cause. It can happen if you leave the cookies in the oven for too long or if the oven temperature is too high.

* Uneven heating: If the oven doesn't heat evenly, certain parts of the cookie might burn while other parts are still underdone.

Preventing Burnt Cookies:

* Use a timer: Set a timer for the estimated baking time, and keep an eye on your cookies.

* Check for doneness early: A few minutes before the estimated baking time is up, start checking for doneness. A slightly underbaked cookie can always be popped back in the oven for a few more minutes.

* Use a cookie sheet with a light-colored surface: Dark cookie sheets absorb more heat, which can contribute to burning.

* Avoid overcrowding the cookie sheet: Allow space between cookies so they bake evenly.

While not ideal, burnt cookies can sometimes be salvaged by:

* Removing the burnt edges: If the burning is just on the edges, you can trim them off.

* Adding frosting or glaze: A sweet topping can help mask the burnt flavor.

However, sometimes, the burnt flavor is too strong to salvage, and it's best to just toss the cookies!