How Baking Temperature Changes Your Cookies

It seems almost every cookie recipe bakes at 350^oF, but why?

More importantly, how can we use the temperature of our oven to our advantage?

Why We Use 25^oF Increments

You may notice cookies use oven temperatures of 325^oF, 350^oF, or 375^oF

We use these respective temperatures because a difference of 5^oF or 10^oF won’t have a significant effect over 10 to 12-minute increments

Now 25^oF, we will start to see our cookies bake faster and crisp around the edges sooner

This is where the heat of our oven comes in handy

In these two pictures, note the difference in the size (spread) and browning of each cookie

For this demonstration, I used my coffee chocolate chip cookie recipe on dark nonstick pans with no oil or parchment paper

I did this to ensure each cookie bakes in an environment consistent with the one before it

Related: Coffee Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Oven Temperature: 325^oF

When we set our oven temperature to 325^oF, we see our cookies bake slower and more evenly throughout

We will also find they spread more because of this lower temperature

This is best for cookie lovers who prefer an evenly baked cookie, with a consistent texture throughout

Notice, that this cookie spreads more than the others

It also has lighter edges than the other two

Keep in mind, that these will often take longer to bake than those at 350^oF or 375^oF so it’s important to keep an eye on them

Oven Temperature: 350^oF

For 350^oF ovens, we find our cookies spread less and bake a bit faster than at 325^oF

This makes for a darker, crispier edge with a softer middle

This is best for cookie lovers who prefer a cookie with some crispiness to the edges but a soft center

Notice, that this cookie has slightly darker edges

There is also more variety in texture, it did not bake into a round, perfectly spread cookie

Oven Temperature: 375^oF

At 375^oF the cookies bake the fastest at the edges and spread the least

This gives the softest inside of the cookie but the crispest outer edge

This temperature is best for those who like a crispy outside and a soft inside

For those making my chocolate chip cookies, this will also give you deliciously gooey chocolate

Notice, that this cookie has the darkest edges compared to the other two

When the edges start to brown, take them out! These will also burn faster, so feel free to pull them out even before they get brown

These will also have the shortest bake time, so keep an eye on them

Final Notes

Use 325^oF for soft, even cookies that spread the most

Use 350^oF for crispier edges with a slightly softer center

Use 375^oF for crisp edges and a soft center