For how many minutes should the cookie oven be preheated?

The proper preheating time for the cookie oven is essential to ensure that cookies bake evenly and achieve the desired texture. Preheating for 15 minutes is typically recommended because it allows the oven to reach the optimal baking temperature, ensuring that the cookies rise properly and develop a nice golden color. A preheated oven helps in both cooking the cookies uniformly and avoiding issues such as undercooked or unevenly baked cookies.

The other options provide either less or more time than is generally necessary; 10 minutes may not be sufficient time for the oven to reach the desired temperature, while 20 or 25 minutes could lead to an overheating situation, possibly affecting the baking process negatively. Thus, preheating for 15 minutes strikes the right balance for optimal baking performance.