here's a quick and easy way to make some store bought cookies feel a little more like the 'fresh out of the oven' cookies that many of us love.

-true, these aren't a replacement for actual home made cookies. however, if you don't have the time to bake some of your own and yet don't want to suffer through a crunchy crumbly version of a cookie that is more delicious when it is soft, then perhaps this is a viable option for you.

Step 1: Boil Water

of course there are several ways to go about this. i used an electric kettle.

Step 2: Make a Steam Bath

i put a vegetable steamer into a pot and pour the boiling water into the pot. turn the range on to keep the water warm.

Step 3: Add Cookies

place the cookie of your choice into the steamer. (notice that the chocolate on these cookies doesn't glisten.)

i have not tried this process on cookies that are inherently crunchy, like oreos or ginger snaps, so i can't recommend it. i tested this with some pepperidge farm, nantucket cookies and had good results.

Step 4: Cover & Wait

place a lid on the pot.

wait.

i waited somewhere between three and five minutes. sorry i don't have an exact time, but i would bet that the time would vary depending on the density of the cookie.

Step 5: Check, Remove & Enjoy

see the glistening chocolate? they almost look like they've just finished their time in the oven.

remove them carefully from the steamer. (they may be prone to breaking)

enjoy!