Written by Lynda Moultry Belcher • Updated May 03, 2017
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When the smell of freshly-baked brownies wafts up from the oven, you may be tempted to take them out and immediately help yourself to a piece or two. However, despite your hunger pangs, it is important to wait for your tray of brownies to cool completely before you do anything with them. This might seem like an insignificant step, but it actually is about more than just a safety issue.
Texture
When you try to cut through a pan of brownies while they are still hot or warm, they tend to crumble and stick to the knife. Wait until they have completely cooled and you can enjoy a clean, even cut to make your tray of brownies look neat. Moreover, the texture of each cooled one is a bit more firm and solid, making it easier to eat than when the brownies are warm and crumbling with each bite.
Taste
According to Fine Cooking, brownies that have cooled completely have a locked in the flavor, making them taste even better than they do when they first come out of the oven. Because the brownies have cooled, you have a chance to enjoy the flavor, instead of trying to quickly swallow or wash the brownie down with a cup of milk because it's too hot to eat.
Safety
Brownies -- and the pan in which they've been cooked -- are fairly hot after coming out of the oven. Chances are that if you try to eat the brownie immediately after taking it out of the oven, you may burn your tongue, or at least feel extreme discomfort. Trying to hold the pan and cut the brownies while the pan is still hot is a safety issue as well.
Considerations
Perhaps you are among those who prefer to eat a warm brownie. This is best accomplished by allowing your brownies to cool off completely, sealing in the flavor and then warming it up for just a minute or so in the microwave. Warm brownies are also good for softening ice cream, if you prefer the cold treat as an accompaniment. The warm brownie will melt the ice cream just a bit, so that you can take one soft and gooey bite.
References
Writer Bio
Lynda Moultry Belcher is a writer, editor and public relations professional. She worked for a daily newspaper for 10 years and has been a freelance writer for more than 15 years. She has contributed to Divorce360 and Revolution Health Group, among other publications. She is also the author of "101 Plus-Size Women's Clothing Tips" and writes "Style At Any Size," a bi-weekly newspaper column.
As a seasoned baking enthusiast with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the science behind baking, I can confidently assert the importance of waiting for brownies to cool completely before indulging in them. This seemingly trivial step plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall brownie experience, and I'll delve into the evidence and concepts that support this practice.
Texture: When hot or warm, brownies exhibit a delicate and crumbly texture. Attempting to cut through them at this stage can lead to a messy outcome, with the brownies sticking to the knife and crumbling apart. However, allowing them to cool completely results in a more stable and solid texture, facilitating clean and even cuts. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the brownies but also contributes to a more enjoyable eating experience.
Taste: Fine Cooking, a reputable source in the culinary world, attests to the fact that fully cooled brownies lock in their flavor, elevating the taste to a level superior to when they are first removed from the oven. This phenomenon occurs as the cooling process allows the flavors to meld and develop, providing a richer and more satisfying taste. By exercising patience and waiting for the brownies to cool, enthusiasts can savor the nuanced flavors without the need to rush through consumption.
Safety: Apart from the culinary aspects, safety is a paramount concern when dealing with freshly baked brownies. Brownies and their baking pans retain significant heat after emerging from the oven. Attempting to handle, cut, or consume them immediately poses a risk of burns or discomfort. Patience in waiting for the brownies to cool not only ensures a safer eating experience but also prevents potential accidents associated with handling hot bakeware.
Considerations: For those who enjoy the warmth of brownies, there is a compromise that maintains both texture and taste. Allowing brownies to cool completely before reheating them briefly in the microwave can recreate the comforting warmth without compromising on the benefits of the cooling process. Additionally, warm brownies serve as an excellent companion to ice cream, contributing to a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
In conclusion, the practice of patiently waiting for brownies to cool is not merely a matter of caution but a deliberate step that significantly influences the texture, taste, and overall enjoyment of this beloved baked treat. Drawing on my expertise in baking, I endorse the advice provided in the article, emphasizing the importance of allowing brownies to cool completely for a truly gratifying experience.
