Fix Underdone Cookies: 3 Simple Solutions for 2025

Baking a batch of cookies is a delightful endeavor that fills the kitchen with tantalizing aromas and promises of sweet indulgence.

However, there are moments when our anticipation turns to disappointment upon discovering that the cookies are undercooked.

But what caused this devastating problem? And are there any ways to fix undercooked cookies? Luckily, we have developed three easy methods you can try to fix or salvage your batch.

These include methods such as continuing the baking process, double-baking cooled cookies, and using the underbaked cookies in alternative forms, like making ice cream sandwiches.

In this article, we will first take a look at the signs to determine whether or not you are dealing with underbaked cookies, then potential causes for the issue. Knowing the cause will help prevent the same problem in the future. And finally, of course, we’ll explore the three easy solutions in depth.

How to Tell if Your Cookies Have Been Undercooked or Underbaked?

There are a surprising number of ways you can tell whether or not your cookies have been underbaked. It’s important to recognize the signs before determining the cause, and ultimately, the best course of action to fix it.

Appearance

Let’s start by examining the appearance of your cookies.

Undercooked cookies often have a slightly pale and doughy appearance in the center, while the edges may have a golden or slightly browned color.

If the edges are fully set and slightly crispy, but the center appears soft and not fully baked, it’s a good indication that your cookies might need a little more time in the oven.

Texture

The texture of a cookie can provide valuable clues about its doneness.

Undercooked cookies tend to be overly soft and have a chewy or doughy texture. When you gently touch the center of an undercooked cookie, it may feel wet or leave a slight indentation.

Ideally, you want your cookies to have a slightly firm and crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, moist interior.

Spread

The spread of your cookies during baking can also offer insights into their doneness. If your cookies have spread excessively, appearing flat and thin, it could be a sign of undercooking.

Underbaked cookies tend to spread more than fully baked ones because the dough hasn’t had enough time to set and hold its shape. Keep an eye on the spread of your cookies as they bake, as it can indicate whether they need additional time in the oven.

What Causes Undercooked Cookies? And How Can You Prevent It From Happening Again?

Now that you can identify undercooked cookies, what caused it?

In our opinion, it’s always better to be able to prevent an issue instead of fixing it afterward. More often than not the rectified results aren’t as good as the originals!

Baking Time and Temperature

One of the primary reasons for undercooked cookies is incorrect baking time and temperature.

Baking time can vary depending on the size, thickness, and type of cookie you’re making. If you find that your cookies consistently turn out undercooked, it might be helpful to reevaluate the time and temperature specified in your recipe.

Oven temperatures can also vary, so consider investing in an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate.

Adjusting the baking time or temperature slightly may be necessary to achieve the desired level of doneness.

Oven Calibration

A poorly calibrated oven can wreak havoc on your baking endeavors. An oven that runs too hot or too cool can significantly impact the doneness of your cookies.

To check if your oven is calibrated correctly, you can use an oven thermometer to compare the actual temperature to the one displayed on your oven’s control panel. If there’s a significant difference, you might need to have your oven recalibrated or adjust your baking times accordingly.

Cookie Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of your cookies play a crucial role in determining their doneness.

Thicker cookies will require more baking time to cook through properly. If your cookies are consistently undercooked, consider adjusting the size or thickness of your cookie dough balls before baking.

Experimenting with different sizes can help you achieve the ideal balance between a crisp exterior and a fully baked interior.

Dough Temperature

The temperature of your cookie dough before baking can affect how cookies spread and bake.

If your dough is too warm or soft, it may spread excessively and result in undercooked centers. To avoid this, make sure to follow the recipe instructions regarding chilling the dough before baking. Chilled dough helps cookies retain their shape and promotes even baking.

Oven Hot Spots

Some ovens have hot spots, meaning that certain areas heat up more than others. These hot spots can lead to uneven baking, resulting in undercooked or overcooked cookies.

To minimize the impact of hot spots, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking process. This will ensure that cookies are exposed to more even heat distribution, promoting consistent doneness.

You can also check out this guide for identifying whether or not your oven has any hot spots.

Altitude and Humidity

Environmental factors such as altitude and humidity can influence the baking process.

Higher altitudes may require adjustments to baking times and temperatures due to changes in air pressure and moisture content.

Similarly, high humidity can affect how cookies spread and bake. If you live in a high-altitude area or a humid climate, it may be helpful to consult specific high-altitude or humid-climate baking adjustments for your recipes.

Pan Insulation

The type of baking pan you use can impact how your cookies bake. Dark-colored pans tend to absorb more heat and can lead to faster browning and potential undercooking. 

Opt for traditional aluminum baking sheets, which allow for better heat conductivity and more consistent baking.

Overcrowding the Baking Sheet

Overcrowding your baking sheet can hinder proper air circulation, leading to undercooked cookies.

Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for even heat distribution. If needed, bake cookies in multiple batches to ensure each one has ample room to spread and bake properly.

How to Fix Undercooked Cookies

So, if you tried all of the preventative measures mentioned above and still came out with underbaked cookies, here are a few ways you can either fix or salvage what’s left.

Whichever method you choose really depends on the time you have available and your personal preference.

Method 1: Return to the Oven

The simplest and most effective method to fix underbaked cookies is to return them to the oven for additional baking time.

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature specified in your original recipe.

2. Carefully separate the underbaked cookies from the fully baked ones. This prevents over-baking the properly cooked ones.

3. Place the underbaked cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave sufficient space between them for even baking.

4. Return the cookies to the oven for a short additional baking time, typically 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking. The goal is to allow them to finish baking without becoming overly browned.

5. Remove a test cookie from the oven and lightly touch the center. If it feels set and no longer doughy, it is likely fully baked. If needed, continue baking the remaining cookies in small increments until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Method 2: Double-Bake the Cookies

The double-bake method is an effective technique for underbaked bar cookies or cookie bars with dense or gooey centers.

1. Slice the underbaked bar cookies into individual portions or squares, depending on your preference.

2. Carefully separate the underbaked bars and arrange them on a baking sheet, ensuring some space between each piece.

3. Preheat your oven to a lower temperature, usually around 300°F (150°C). Bake the bars for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the heat to penetrate and cook the centers more thoroughly.

4. After the additional baking time, check for the desired doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a bar. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter, the bars are ready. If needed, return them to the oven for a few more minutes.

Method 3: Transform Them into Ice Cream Sandwiches or Mix-Ins

If all else fails, why not transform your undercooked or underbaked cookies into a delightful dessert creation? Use them as the base for homemade ice cream sandwiches or crumble them into smaller pieces for mix-ins.

Ice Cream Sandwich

Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two underbaked cookies. Place them in the freezer for a few hours to allow the ice cream to firm up and meld with the cookies. 

Cookie Mix-Ins

Crumble the underbaked cookies into smaller pieces and use them as mix-ins for other desserts, like a cheesecake crust.

You can also sprinkle them over ice cream, yogurt, or pudding, or incorporate them into milkshakes or cookie dough ice cream for added texture and flavor.