If you’ve ever baked cookies only to have them turn out hard and crunchy, don’t worry. You can still soften your hard cookies and regain the irresistible soft, chewy texture. Follow these 8 simple steps to rescue those hardened cookies:

1. Place cookies in an airtight container: Put your hard cookies into an airtight container, such as Tupperware or a resealable plastic bag. This step helps prevent more air from entering and drying out the cookies.

2. Add a slice of bread: Place a slice of sandwich bread in the container with the cookies. The moisture from the bread will be absorbed by the cookies, making them softer. If you want to avoid contact between the bread and cookies, you can place a piece of wax paper in between.

3. Use apple slices: Alternatively, you can use apple slices instead of bread. Place an apple slice in the container with the hard cookies to provide natural moisture without exchanging flavors.

4. Try damp paper towels: Fold a damp paper towel and place it on top of the cookies in your container. Make sure not to wet the cookies directly; the purpose is to moisten their environment slightly.

5. Microwave lightly: If your cookies are really hard and you need them soft immediately, try microwaving them for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.

6. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your container with softened cookies away from any heat source or direct sunlight to maintain their improved texture for longer periods.

7. Time factor: For best results, leave your hard cookies with whichever method you’ve chosen for at least 24 hours to fully absorb moisture and soften their texture.

8. Bonus tip – prevention: To prevent future batches of cookies from becoming hard, remove them from the oven before they fully set – slightly under-baked. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool and continue baking on the tray for a few more minutes.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your once-hard cookies with an improved, softer texture. Keep these tips in mind so you can easily rescue any future batches that might suffer the same fate!