Nothing puts a fresh baked batch of cookies on hold faster than rock hard brown sugar. If you are in need of a simple solution, our guide will provide plenty of options to get your brown sugar back to a usable consistency. Whether you want to use the microwave, an oven, a single piece of paper towel or napkin, or a slice of bread, check out these ways to get your baking back on track.http://www.chsugar.com/consumer/faqs.html#q04 http://kitchen.robbiehaf.com/cookingtips/miscingredients.htm

Whether you want to use your brown sugar immediately or have a few days before it is needed, try one of the following methods to restore brown sugar to its fluffy state. Using the microwave method is the fastest way to soften the brown sugar. The microwave is good if you need it for baking right away. An oven will take longer, but it will get the job done. There is also a clay disk that can be placed into the container or bag the brown sugar is held in.http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/

Because brown sugar is made of sugar crystals bonded with a molasses syrup, prolonged exposure to air will cause it to lose moisture and harden. If you find your brown sugar in a hard brick state, there are several methods to recapture its original consistency. Pick one to suit your time frame, and you will be cooking with brown sugar once again.

1. Place the bag of hardened brown sugar in to the microwave oven, opened.http://www.landolakes.com/tips/ShowTechnique.cfm?TechniqueID=25&ActionID=3

2. Place a small bowl of water, equal to 1 cup, next to the bag of brown sugar. This water will boil and create steam in the microwave to add moisture to the brown sugar.http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/

3. Microwave on high for about two to three minutes, checking every so often.http://www.landolakes.com/tips/ShowTechnique.cfm?TechniqueID=25&ActionID=3

4. Rotate and check the bag in 30 second increments by stirring with a spoon or spatula. This will ensure that the sugar does not turn to liquid. Remove from the microwave when done.http://startcooking.com/blog/180/How-to-Store-Brown-Sugar

1. Take the brown sugar out of the bag or container it is in and place it into an oven proof baking dish.http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/

2. Heat oven up to a low 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place the brown sugar into the oven.http://www.chsugar.com/consumer/faqs.html#q04

3. Be careful to let the brown sugar stay in the oven for too long. Check on the sugar after 5 minutes. Heat the brown sugar until soft. Check on the brown sugar often by stirring every once in a while.http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/

4. Use what you need immediately, since the brown sugar will crystallize and become hard again when it cools back down to room temperature.http://www.chsugar.com/consumer/faqs.html#q04

Overnight Method

1. Place 1/2 pound of the brown sugar in a bowl.
2. Cover the sugar with damp, not too wet paper towels.http://www.marthastewart.com/article/homemade-brown-sugar
3. Cover the bowl on top with aluminum foil or cling wrap.
4. Let it sit overnight at room temperature.http://www.marthastewart.com/article/homemade-brown-sugar
5. Fluff the sugar with a fork before using. Let sit for longer if needed.http://www.nibblous.com/recipe/521

Multiple Day Method

• The multiple day method is more of a preventative measure to ensure that the brown sugar will not harden.

1. Place the brown sugar and a few drops of water in a sealed plastic bag.http://tipnut.com/10-ways-to-soften-hard-brown-sugar/
2. Stash the sugar with a piece of soft bread or two apple slices until it regains its moisture.
3. Another method is to use a clay disk by placing it directly into the brown sugar and leaving it.