For the baker with every gadget, here are a couple of tools that make baking cookies more convenient—even if they do jobs that could be done with far less expensive tools and equipment.
- Stand Mixer
- Parchment paper
- Benchscraper
- Cookie Sticks
- 3/4 measuring cup, 2/3 measuring cup
- Small whisk
Stand Mixer
These high-powered mixers with built-in bowls and attachments make mixing a hands-off affair. It is still important to stop and scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl now and then, but otherwise, they work like a dream. You’ll find stand mixers available in a range of prices. If you decide to purchase one, consider it an investment piece.
Parchment paper
This magical matte paper makes cleanup a breeze. Line your cookie sheet with it and your sweet treats will slide right off after baking, no scrubbing required! Parchment paper is sold by the roll and can be found in the baking section of large supermarkets. As noted above, it’s very different from waxed paper, which cannot be baked.
Benchscraper
This handy, hand-held tool works like a pancake spatula, except it’s held in your hand, rather than being attached to a long handle. Its thin metal lip will slide underneath delicate cutout cookies, divide dough into portions and scrape flour off your counter when you’re cleaning up. A benchscraper is also great for making pizza, pies and other baked goods.
Cookie Sticks
When your cookie recipe calls for rolling out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, make sure you get the right measurement with these clever sticks, which look a little like long, thin rulers. Set one stick on either side of your dough, then use your rolling pin to flatten until the dough is even with the sticks. With this technique, you’ll be able to roll your dough out to the exact thickness needed.
3/4 and 2/3 measuring cups
Skip measuring twice in recipes that call for measurements that fall outside the standard measuring cup sizes of 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1-cup. These non-standard cups are not at all necessary, but they do make measuring and cleanup just a little bit quicker.
Small Whisk
A small whisk is a great all-around tool to have in your kitchen and allows for more precision than larger sized whisks. You’ll find it comes in handy when mixing up dry ingredients, stirring together melted chocolate and more.
Now that you know what tools are best, it’s time to shop for ingredients. Check out our Cookie Baking Essentials.
P.S. Keep this article handy during the holiday season, it’s a perfect guide to shopping for the baker in your life. And if someone asks what you want for Christmas, well, you know where to start!
Meet Carrie!
Carrie Franzen is a consulting recipe developer in the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary diploma in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Her lengthy experience includes: a pastry chef and baker for several fine dining restaurants in the Midwest, a chef instructor at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, a manager and instructor for a culinary school in the Twin Cities and she has been published in several cookbooks and magazines. You can count on Carrie to bring goodies to any gathering. From pies to breads to cookies and cakes, Carrie loves to bake!
