This Viral Hack for Saving Burnt Cookies Is Actually a Game-Changer

Even if you’re an avid baker, chances are high that you’ve burnt a batch of cookies. Maybe they looked perfectly fine on top but were scorched on the bottom. It happens, and it’s frustrating. But don’t throw them away — there’s an easy fix!

Instead of just starting on a new batch of cookies, try this: Use the small holes of a Microplane or box grater to gently scrape away the burnt bits from the bottom! This simple-yet-effective hack came to use via a Reel from The FeedFeed’s Instagram account.

In the video, a pair of hands carefully uses the holes on a Microplane to essentially grate away the charred layer from the bottom of the cookie. This can occur when you forget to use parchment paper or cooking spray, or you’re making particularly big cookies and the bottoms scorch before the entire cookie is able to cook through. Either way, you can use this method with a Microplane or the fine holes on a box grater.

In fact, I tried this method out for myself and got great results! I didn’t have a Microplane, but I do have a box grater with multiple sides, including very small holes for grating (typically for firm cheeses like Parmesan). 

I used this method on a batch of premade chocolate chip cookie dough and baked around tablespoonfuls of the dough on a metal baking sheet. In order to reduce the number of variables in the process, and because I know some people don’t regularly purchase parchment paper or cooking spray, I placed the cookies directly on an ungreased baking sheet. 

You can see from my test shots that I started out with small cookies that were burnt on the bottom, but completely edible otherwise. I used the small holes on my box grater to grate away the burnt bits. Not only did it work super well, but it also got rid of the burnt flavor, and the cookie itself stayed intact! My main fear was that the cookie itself would break, but it held up well.

The next time you have to make a batch of cookies for a party, bake sale, or other gathering, look to this hack before you toss out those perfectly good cookies!