Microwave Ovens have become a staple in kitchens around the world. It’s compact and it cooks breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and even midnight snack in minutes. But the question is, can it bake? Can it make us happy like an oven does when we bring out the freshly baked cookies? Can you microwave cookie dough?
Well, I think you can microwave pretty much any food except whole eggs – its explosive, don’t try it please just watch videos of what happens. So I guess the answer is, yes, you can microwave cookie dough. I know a lot of people who would love to try baking cookies but can’t because they don’t have an oven at home – however, they do have a microwave. So maybe, that cookie dream may come true after all?
Microwave Oven VS Oven: What’s The Difference?
To get to the bottom of this, let look at the difference between a Microwave and Oven?
A Microwave Oven uses electromagnetic radiation from microwaves to heat or cook food through a special component called “Magnetron” to agitate electrons with a heated filament. The food absorbs all this heat and gets cooking fast. (It sounds familiar I know, but we assure you that no cubes are involved in this heating process). Microwave Ovens are preferred if you plan to cook small portions of food or meats that cook relatively fast.
A Conventional Oven on the other hand uses electric currents or gas and flame as a source of heat. These heat up the chamber which then heats the food inside gradually. Some ovens have fans built inside to distribute the heat. It has a temperature gauge, which allows you to set the temperature you want to food to cook in. Because it uses conventional heat sources, it takes time for an oven to warm up and cook food. Conventional Ovens are best used when cooking thick foods or meats that take time to cook like roast beef or pork.
Yes! You Can Microwave Cookies!
As you can see, the difference between the two is the source of heat and the amount of time they need to cook food. Since we are talking about cookies, both would seem to be able to do the trick. So on a technical standpoint, you can microwave cookie dough.
How to Microwave Cookie Dough
Open up your favorite cookie dough recipe, use a cookie dough hand mixer to prepare it and cook them in the microwave. You can also use your home-made or store-bought cookie dough. Here are some tips:
Don’t Use Metal Pans!
Microwaves and metal stuff DO NOT go together. Please don’t use metal pans/trays or spatulas/spoons when baking with a Microwave. Metal stuff inside a microwave leads to a very ugly explosion and you or your family can get seriously hurt. If you get distracted, you may forget or leave metal utensil you used in there. So please, use wooden or silicon spatulas/spoons and place the cookies in a microwave/oven safe ramekin or plate. Some people use the actual glass rotation plate of the microwave, but make sure you wash it before using it.
Fire up The Magnetrons! But Watch Your Cookies…
Based on some recipes, the cookies should be cooked only for 40 to 60 seconds on high or full power. But watch your cookies, if their surface starts to dry up, you may want to press stop and check on their doneness.
Wait! Don’t Eat It Yet
Don’t touch them or eat them right out of the oven, since they are cooked with very high temperature –it’s gonna hurt. Wait around 20 seconds before you devour them. Also, use a fork for your first bite just to be sure.
Add the Good Stuff and Enjoy
Like any cookie moment, feel free to add the good stuff to your cookie. We suggest using ramekin for your cookie so you can add ice cream, caramel or chocolate sauce, and maybe some nuts on top. Viola, fast and easy Cookie Ala Mode!
What to Expect From Your Microwaved Friend
Microwaved cookies may have a more cakey soft texture which makes them great Ala Mode. If you overcook it, it will be very crunchy, sometimes maybe too crunchy.
Oven-baked cookies achieve that right combination between crunchy and chewy.
Pros and Cons of Microwave Baking
Microwave baking does come with some benefits. Here are some for you to consider:
- They are easy to use and clean.
- They are fairly safe since no open flame or gas is used. But just don’t use metal utensils or pans.
- They bake cookies way faster it’s not even funny.
- You don’t need to pre-heat your oven unlike Conventional ovens which take time to achieve the perfect temperature.
- Microwave Ovens are more affordable and energy efficient versus an Electric Conventional Oven
- You don’t need a lot of space for a Microwave.
- They make cookies perfect for Cookies Ala Mode!
The disadvantages? I can only think of one: It’s not chewy. You don’t achieve that characteristic that people love about cookies.
The Verdict: Yay or Nay?
I think it’s a Yay for Microwaved Cookies because you can make them easy and fast. If you just need to satisfy a really bad craving late at night, it’s perfect. And if you don’t have a Conventional Oven at home, it’s the next best thing. There are a lot of small portion Microwave cookie recipes out there you can try.
Another plus is I think microwaving cookies is a good way to experiment on new cookie flavors. You can cook small portions fast without too much effort. Once you’re happy with it, you can try a big batch in the Conventional Oven.
Personally, it’s the Cookie Ala Mode that won me over. Enough said. But, it will never replace my favorite chewy cookie with a hot cup of black coffee. So, I guess this girl loves it both ways.
How about you? Is it Yay or Nay?
