How to Prevent Your Cookies from Burning on the Bottom

We all want every batch of cookies to turn out perfectly, but holiday cookies come with extra pressure. These aren't just any cookies — these beauties are meant for cookie platters!

If you've ever experienced the frustration of burnt cookie bottoms, you know the stress that comes with it. You hope it won’t happen again, but the thought lingers: What if it does?

The good news? You can take some of that stress out of the equation. Here are five easy tips to keep your cookies from burning on the bottom next time you bake.

5 Tips for Avoiding Burnt Cookie Bottoms

Be A Careful Measurer

Especially when it comes to sugar. Beyond its sweetness, sugar plays a crucial role in creating that perfect crispy texture in your cookies. But too much sugar can lead to excessive caramelization, causing your cookies to darken too quickly at the bottoms and edges.

Reconsider Your Baking Sheet Setup

Your baking sheet might be the hidden culprit behind those burnt cookie bottoms. The good news is that the fixes are simple.

If you have a lighter-colored baking sheet, opt for that one. While dark, nonstick pans are perfect for achieving extra crispiness (like with frozen French fries), they're not the best choice for baking cookies.

No matter what baking sheet you use, do not—let me emphasize, do not—grease it. Not even a light spray of non-stick baking spray. Many cookie recipes specifically call for an "ungreased baking sheet," because the extra grease can cause the bottoms of your cookies to sizzle in the 350-degree oven. Instead, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and protect the bottoms. And no, wax paper or aluminum foil won’t work as substitutes.

Another thing to think about: Are you using a rimmed baking sheet or a flat cookie sheet? While a rimmed sheet is perfectly fine for baking cookies, a flat, rimless cookie sheet allows air to circulate more freely around the cookies, promoting even baking. Plus, you get a better view of your cookies' edges as they brown, helping you avoid overbaking.

Consider Baking One Sheet at a Time

When it comes to even heating, if you’re not confident about rotating two sheets of cookies halfway through baking, it’s best to bake one sheet at a time. In most conventional ovens, the heating element is at the bottom, so if you don’t rotate the pans, the bottom sheet will likely get too much heat while the top sheet still needs time to bake.

Pay Attention to Your Oven Rack Position

If you choose to bake one sheet at a time, ensure the oven rack is placed in the center for optimal heat distribution and the best baking results.

When in Doubt, Start Early

Remember, the cookie recipe you’re following wasn’t tested in your specific oven, so baking times may vary. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, checking their color and texture a few minutes before the timer goes off.

While nothing is guaranteed, these tips will definitely reduce the likelihood of ending up with a batch of gingerbread men with burnt bottoms.