Preheating the oven is generally recommended when baking cookies or bread, as it helps ensure consistent and even cooking throughout the baking process. Here's why preheating is essential:
Even baking: Preheating the oven allows it to reach the desired temperature before you put the cookies or bread inside. This means that the baking process starts immediately at the right temperature, ensuring even cooking and consistent results.
Proper rise and texture: For bread, preheating the oven helps create the initial burst of heat necessary for yeast-based dough to rise properly. It contributes to the formation of a good crust and helps achieve the desired texture.
Optimal baking time: When the oven is preheated, it reduces the overall baking time. This is important for cookies, as they require precise timing to achieve the desired level of doneness without becoming overbaked or underbaked.
Browning and texture: Preheating the oven helps in achieving proper browning and texture in both cookies and bread. The initial burst of heat sets the structure quickly, leading to better color and texture development.
While there might be some recipes that suggest skipping the preheating step, it's generally best to follow the instructions and preheat the oven before baking. It ensures better results and more reliable outcomes for your baked goods.