"The Surprising Way to Preserve Your Cookies' Freshness: A Slice of Bread's Role"

There's nothing quite like the taste of a freshly baked cookie, with its perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft center. However, the science behind baked goods reveals that once they leave the oven, a process known as starch retrogradation begins, leading to the eventual dryness and staleness we try to avoid.

To combat this, a simple yet effective trick involves using a slice of white bread. By placing a fresh slice in an airtight container with your cookies, you can rehydrate and soften stale cookies in just a few hours. The moisture content in the bread helps to reverse the starch recrystallization process, keeping your cookies soft.

It's important to use a single slice of fresh, plain white bread to prevent any flavor transfer, and to replace the bread once it starts to dry out. This method is not only limited to cookies; it can also be applied to other soft baked goods like brownies or cake slices.

Additional tips for maintaining cookie freshness include storing them in a single layer in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature, and considering freezing to slow down the starch retrogradation process. Be mindful not to mix soft and crispy cookies, as this can lead to a compromise in texture. Lastly, avoid overbaking your cookies for the best initial texture.