
baked goods
Baked goods are foods prepared by cooking ingredients like flour, sugar, fats, and liquids in an oven. This process transforms raw mixtures into items with appealing textures and flavors, such as bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries. The heat causes chemical changes, like gluten development and leavening, which give baked goods their structure, rise, and softness. They are often enjoyed as snacks or desserts, and their ingredients and techniques vary widely across cultures. Baked goods are valued for their taste, texture, and the craftsmanship involved in creating them.