5 Mistakes Everyone Makes with Brownies

When it comes to baking brownies, timing isn't everything, but it's pretty major, says Daykin, who often sees people get the bake time wrong. Home cooks tend to underbake their brownies, which results in an overly goopy texture, while overbaking isn't great either, since you end up with a dry finished product (although fudgy brownies are more forgiving than cakey ones if you leave them in the oven too long). Start testing with a wooden toothpick a minute before you think they're done, advises Helding. You want some crumbs on the pick, but you don't want it dripping batter. Crumbs mean it's almost ready, so pull the pan out; the brownies will continue to cook as they cool.