Why don't they soften when they are baked?

Hi

Different ovens vary in tempture.  You sound like you ae baking them too long.  Try baking less, and also the heat from the pan when you take them out is still baking them.  Transfer them to something else carefully.

Best of luck.

God bless

Nanadee 

Are you making chocolate chip cookies? If so, bake them just under the time specified on the package. This will help in keeping the cookies from being too hard and crispy while not allowing them to have that 'underbaked' taste and feel.

Also, keep in mind that the chips will only have that gooey 'melted' look when they are fresh from the oven.

If you are wanting to melt chocolate chips (as per your topic), place them in a heat-proof bowl over, not in, a pan of hot water. Prevent any water from getting into the bowl, as that will cause the chocolate to 'seize' and may render it unusable for your recipe.

Let the bowl of chocolate chips sit over the hot water for a few moments, then stir. It won't take long for all the chips to melt.