Why do I need a cooling rack? Can't I just cool on the pan?

Cooling on the pan traps steam underneath, making bottoms soggy. A cooling rack allows air to circulate on all sides, keeping baked goods crisp. For cookies, it stops carryover cooking (the hot pan continues baking them). For bread and cakes, it prevents a wet, gummy bottom. A cooling rack is the difference between good baking and great baking.