What to do with Burnt Cookies & How to fix them (2024)

Let's face it, you can't unburn cookies, but I'm going to show you what to do with burnt cookies and how to fix them so that those tasty sweet treats don't have to go to waste! So whether you just over-browned them a bit on the edges or totally charred them on the bottom, there are solutions!

Can burnt cookies be saved?

The short answer is yes, probably! Don't toss your over-baked cookies in the bin just yet! In most cases, it's actually possible to save burnt cookies. Whether you left them in the oven too long or the recipe just went horribly wrong, you've got options and I've got baking tips. You may have to get a little creative but that's all part of the fun of baking.

Can you eat slightly burnt cookies?

If you've ever wondered, can I eat burnt cookies? The answer is yes! As long as you haven't turned your cookies into charcoal, they are completely edible, probably still tasty, and will cause you no harm. Some people even purposely overbake certain types of cookies like chocolate chip because they like them extra crispy and super brown. So while slightly burnt cookies may not look as appealing, you can totally still eat them!

What to do with Burnt Cookies - and how to fix them

So how to fix burnt cookies? It is not hard to fix or learn how to save burnt cookies. Whether you just need to scrap off a few burnt parts or completely turn the sad over-baked cookies into a whole new dessert, with these techniques and ideas you are sure to find one that will help you save your cookie baking day! So much so you'll never have to wonder again, what to do with burnt chocolate chip cookies!?!

1. Scrap the bottom with a knife

Scraping them with a knife is probably the most obvious and old-school solution for what to do if cookies burn on the bottom. You can use any type of knife, but a butter knife is really all you need. In fact, you don't want to use one too sharp for safety reasons.

2. Grate or zest the cookies

Just like you can grate cheese or zest a lemon, you can shave away the burnt bits of over-baked cookies. For the best results, use a smaller-size handheld zester or cheese grater for ease.

How to use it:

You'll want to grate the cookies over a sink or plate for the least amount of mess. Just lightly scrape the cookies in one direction with short quick strokes. But don't go crazy while scraping or the cookies can just fall apart.

3. Cut the bottoms off

Cookies burnt on bottom to the point of no return doesn't have to be a deal breaker! But if you can't figure out how to fix burnt cookie bottoms, you can simply cut the bottoms of the cookies off with a serrated knife. This type of knife works the best because of its toothlike edge that is ideal for cutting foods with a hard exterior and soft interior.

4. Frost the cookies

If the tops are burnt as well as the bottoms of your cookies you can frost them with icing or cover them with chocolate. It's a great way to not only make the cookies taste better but a way to hide the little baking mishap too. I've done this with burnt butter cookies and this burnt cookie hack works like a charm!

5. Make pie crust

No-bake pie crust doesn't always have to be made with graham crackers or Marie biscuits. You can get creative and use any type of biscuit or cookie you like. In fact, rescued burnt sugar cookies are delicious in the right burnt cookies recipe.

How to use it:

To make a pie crust using over-baked cookies all you have to do is replace the graham crackers or biscuits in the recipe with crumbled cookie bits. Check out my 2 Ingredients Cheesecake Crust or my Graham Cracker Pie to see how simple it is!

6. Make cookie sandwiches

How to fix burnt chocolate chip cookies? Disguise those cookies that are burnt on the bottom by making a sandwich out of them. This hides the burnt bottoms and adds a whole other layer of flavor to mask some of the burnt taste.

How to use it:

For this cookie save, first scrape away the burnt bits and then spread the bottom of one cookie with some of my rich Nutella Frosting or Homemade Caramel Filling. Then add another cookie bottom on top to make a sandwich. You can also do this trick with any type of ice cream you like for a yummy frozen dessert.

7. Make a crumble topping

This way of using over-baked cookies is easy peasy! You literally just beat the cookies with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until they turn to bits! But of course, try to remove any super burnt areas first.

How to use it:

Crumbled cookies can be used on just about anything from cake to cupcakes as well as ice cream and yogurt. In fact, you can take a look at my Streusel Topping recipe for ideas on how to use crumble toppings in different ways.

7. Dunk the cookies

You can't go wrong with cookies and milk even if the cookies are on the dry side. A little dunking in milk or coffee just might be the perfect save there is an option for how to fix a burnt cookie!

How to use it:

If the cookies are just slightly burnt you may not even feel the need to scrape them. However, if they are a little darker than you want, simply give them a little scraping with a knife or grater and then get to dunking!

Expert tips on how to avoid burnt cookies

1. Always set a timer when baking. This helps to remind you to take your cookies out of the oven. Cookies burning on bottom is almost caused by leaving them for too long in the oven.
2. If you cookies are burnt and flat as well, check out my ultimate guide on what to do with flat cookies
3. Besides just focusing on the time that the recipe states, make sure to check your cookies every 5-10 minutes as each oven is different and they might be done quicker than you think
4. Use a Digital oven thermometer to ensure that your cookies are being baked at the proper temperature and then you don't have to ask why are my cookies burnt.
5. Remember, fan ovens overheat by about 59F / 15C so if the recipe states to bake the cookies at 347F / 175C, do not use the fan as that would make the temperature 374F / 190C
6. Chill your dough so that the fat can solidify and the cookies don't spread too much. Thin, overly spread cookies can very easily burn.
7. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to help the cookies bake more evenly and control how much they spread.
8. Never place the cookie dough on a warm baking sheet. This will cause them to start spreading much faster and potentially burn.
9. Never bake cookies on the bottom rack. They should always be baked on the middle rack for the best results.
10. If unsure and you usually struggle with baking cookies, bake one single cookie as a test before putting in a whole batch. This will let you know if your oven is properly heated and the dough is cold enough.

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