How can you determine if cookies are done baking?

The best way to determine if cookies are done baking is to look for them to be lightly browned at the edges while still being soft and slightly undercooked in the center. This is important because cookies often continue to cook for a short time even after they are removed from the oven due to residual heat. The edges should provide a slight firmness, indicating they are set, while the center remains soft and may appear a bit glossy. This combination results in cookies that have a desirable texture—crispy at the edges and chewy in the middle.

Other choices suggest overbaking or underbaking that could lead to undesirable cookie textures. For instance, cookies that are hard and dark in color are likely overbaked, resulting in a dry texture. Cookies that have risen excessively and appear puffed might indicate they are not baked sufficiently, leading to a doughy center. Lastly, cookies with a pale appearance all over may not have developed the necessary color, which often indicates they are underbaked and will fall apart or have an undesired texture. Therefore, the ideal doneness combines the characteristics noted in the correct choice.