How to Soften Hard Cookies

Download Article

Co-authored by Craig Watson and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: June 6, 2025 References

Download Article

Using a Piece of Bread

|

Reheating the Cookies

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

Are you tired of eating rock-hard cookies? Do you want to have melt-in-your-mouth cookies? There are a couple of tricks you can try to get hard cookies soft and chewy again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Piece of Bread

Download Article

Then make sure you like cookies!^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Put a piece of fresh white bread on the bottom of the container. Then, put the cookies on top of the bread.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t have a piece of white bread, you can use a damp paper towel instead. Just wrap the paper towel in aluminum foil, poke some holes in the foil, and place the foil in the container with the cookies.
Advertisement
This will give the cookies enough time to absorb moisture from the bread so they soften.^{[3]
X
Research source}
When you open the container the next day the cookies will be soft and chewy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Reheating the Cookies

Download Article

Make sure the paper towel is damp but not soaking wet so your cookies don’t end up too soggy.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Wrap the cookies you want to soften in the paper towel. If you’re reheating a lot of cookies, you may need to use more than one paper towel.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You can also place the cookies on a plate and then cover them with the damp paper towel. Either way will work!
The cookies will absorb some of the moisture from the damp paper towel and become softer as they heat up.^{[6]
X
Research source}
If they’re still not soft enough, try re-wrapping them with another damp paper towel and microwaving them again.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What makes cookies hard and tough?

MrExpert

Community Answer

Over-baking, not enough moist ingredients, and over-mixing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 34
Question

How do I soften hard cookies?

Community Answer

Dampen a paper towel and place it under the cookies. Place them in the microwave.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 50 Helpful 78
Question

What can I use when the batter is really dry?

Community Answer

Use water or milk to help soften the dough.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If they are not soft enough, just put in 2 pieces of bread the next time.

Thanks
Helpful 15 Not Helpful 35
Dunk the cookies in milk to soften them up before eating.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 24