Holiday baking season is officially upon us, so we have cookies on the brain! Whatever recipes you’re tackling this year, first make sure that you have all the right tools. From our go-to all-purpose baking sheets to giftable cookie boxes, here are our must-have tools, gadgets and equipment to help you bake cookies like a pro.
14-Piece Pastry Bag Decorating Kit
Ready to take your icing skills to the next level? Impress your friends and family with your pasty decorating with this 14-piece kit from Ateco that comes with 12 varying tips, a 12-inch icing bag, and the preattached coupler. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start—this kit comes with recipe cards too! ($20)
Rimmed Baking Sheet
Perhaps the most important tool of all is the baking sheet. These rimmed half-sheet baking pans from Nordic Ware are a universal size that will fit in most (if not all) ovens. They are made of thick aluminum that won’t warp and will protect the bottoms of your cookies from scorching. We also swear by rimmed sheets so that your cookies don’t go sliding off the sides when you’re taking them in and out of the oven. ($24 for 2)
Pre-Cut Parchment Sheets
When you’re pumping out cookies for all of your friends and family, these parchment paper heets are a real time (and sanity) saver! They lay flat and are cut to fit snugly inside your rimmed half baking sheets. ($17 for 200 12 x 16 sheets)
Liquid & Dry Measuring Cups
Baking is a science. So, for the best results, it’s important to make sure your ingredients are measured correctly. While liquid and dry measuring cups are marked similarly, there is a slight difference between dry and liquid amounts. This liquid measuring cup set from Pyrex (3 for $34) covers a range of sizes, and we like this stackable magnetic dry measuring set from Tiluck ($24).
Stand Mixer
After you’ve made a few batches of cookie dough by hand, you’ll understand just how handy a stand mixer truly is. KitchenAid mixers are an investment, but they will last you a lifetime, can tackle many jobs in your kitchen, and come in an array of fun colors that you’ll want to show off on your counter. The paddle attachment (included) can whip up a big batch of dough for you in mere minutes. ($350–$450)
Rolling Pin
If you’re making gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, rugelach, or any cookie that requires you to roll out dough to a specific size or thickness, then this rolling pin from Food52 will be a real lifesaver. The pin has measurement markers on it, as well as adjustable silicone rings so you can take the guesswork out of rolling your dough. ($28)
Cookie Scoop
After you’ve used a cookie scoop, there’s no going back to rolling your own dough! This clever tool portions and shapes your dough for you and ensures consistent results and even baking. We like this medium-sized scoop from OXO because of the comfortable silicone grips and the wiper that easily ejects the dough for you. ($17)
Cookie Dough Freezer Tray
We love the ease of these handy little cookie trays from Souper Cubes that help you portion and freeze your cookie dough. They’re especially handy if you want to make your dough in advance, then pull out the portioned dough and bake off warm cookies when your sweet tooth calls. ($32 for 2)
Cooling Rack
Save counter space with this three-tier cookie cooling rack from Wilton. It collapses for easy storage when you’re not in baking mode. ($24)
Gift Boxes
Level up your cookie exchange this year with these adorable gift boxes, complete with twine and gift tags. ($23 for 24 boxes)
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