For example, if your recipe says to bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, start checking them after 29 minutes in the oven. All types of brownies continue to set up after you take them out of the oven, so it’s better to remove them a little early.

If you pulled the toothpick out and it looked clean or there weren’t any crumbs sticking to it, the brownies are most likely overbaked. Keep in mind that fudgy brownies will have more crumbs clinging to the toothpick compared to cakey brownies, especially if you added chocolate chunks or chips to the batter.

If you’re making chewy brownies, the top might feel kind of crisp when they’re done.

The edges of chewy brownies might even look crispy—this is totally fine!

Keep in mind that some fudgy or chewy brownies stay shiny even after they’ve finished baking. [6] X Research source If you see a lot of cracks over the entire surface, you might have overcooked the brownies, especially if they’re cakey.

If you’re cooking chewy or cakey brownies, you shouldn’t see any movement in the middle of the pan. If you do, put the brownies back in the oven and recheck them in a few minutes.

If you prefer chewy brownies, take them out any point between 165 and 210 °F (74 and 99 °C).