Sweet Necessities: Equipment and Pans
While it may be true that a poor workman blames his tools, it is also true that using quality equipment makes it easier to create perfect cookies. If at all possible, buy your tools at a restaurant supply store. You will find that the commercial pans are less expensive and of higher quality than what are commonly found in the local department store.
Having an inventory of good pans and equipment will allow you to bake with confidence at a moment’s notice. Some gadgets, like different-sized scoops, are not essential but do make the job easier. Other items, cookie presses for example, are total luxuries but are fun to use.
Why should I use shiny pans?
Shiny baking sheets allow the heat to be reflected away from the cookies and they bake more evenly without burning. Since pans do wear out, you should expect to replace them every few years. Once they have become blackened or are dull, retire them from cookie service and find another use for them.
Essential Equipment
There are some things that you just can’t do without when baking cookies. Following is a list of what is needed to make basic cookies. Other items, like cookie cutters, might be essential for fancier cookie baking.
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Two shiny metal baking sheets smaller than the interior of your oven. They need to leave a four-inch space all the way around the inside of the oven.
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An electric mixer is the best way to get those ingredients mixed. If you don’t have one you will need a very strong arm and a wooden spoon.
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A couple of mixing bowls allow you to do more than one thing at a time.
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When you have measuring cups and spoons in several sizes your measurements will be more accurate.
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A glass measuring cup allows for the accurate measurement of liquid ingredients.
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A spatula is necessary for removing the cookies from the baking sheet.
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At least one 13" × 9" inch pan is necessary for baking brownies and bars.
Alert
If you are baking brownies or bars in a glass pan, be sure to lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees from the temperature called for in the recipe. Glass pans conduct heat more than metal pans do and the lower temperature will keep the bars from burning or becoming too dry.
Not Essential but Nice to Have
With the list above you can cook many different kinds of basic cookies, but if you want to do anything special you will need a few more pieces of equipment. Always try to buy the best quality that you can afford. Cheap items just don’t last as long or work as well and there is really nothing more frustrating than having a rolling pin fall apart halfway through ten dozen Christmas cookies!
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Cookie cutters in various shapes and sizes are a necessity for cute decorated sugar cookies. You can find cutters in every shape from maple leaves to motorcycles.
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Rolling pins are important aids to creating cute cookies of all kinds. Pick up a few and choose one that is heavy but not so heavy it hurts your back or arms to use it.
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A pizelle iron is the only way to make delicate anise-flavored pizelles. The iron looks like a thin, decorative waffle iron.
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If you are planning on making Spritz cookies you will need a good cookie press.
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Pastry tubes and decorating tips allow you to be creative with the cookies that you make.
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A cooling rack allows the cookies to cool on all sides without the possibility of the bottoms getting soggy.
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A timer will keep you from getting distracted and over baking the cookies.
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A cookie press allows you to press intricate and beautiful designs into your cookies.
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Scoops in various sizes will keep the cookies uniform in size and shape.
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Silpat nonstick baking sheets are made of silicone and keep cookies from sticking to the cookie sheets without greasing them.
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Madeline pans are specially formed pans that allow you to make French madelines like a professional.
Of course, there are many other items that you could add to the list. By having some of this equipment you will be able to make beautiful cookies anytime.
