Baking is more than just cooking for many baking enthusiasts; it’s magical creative journey requiring certain tools and equipment to get the job done. That’s why I’m here to help you out!
I’ve whipped up a hot-list of baking must-haves that every cookie conjurer and pastry pro will adore. Let’s delve into these delightful gifts, and find the perfect holiday present for anyone who believes happiness is homemade.
🍪Cookie scoops
Say hello to evenly baked cookies every single time! Gifting a set of cookie scoops is always appreciated. They can effortlessly fill muffin liners with batter, shape meatballs with ease and much more. You can even use cookie scoops to measure ingredients accurately.
🍰High-quality baking sheets
Baking sheets are a kitchen staple and a versatile piece of equipment. Look for heavy-duty rimmed sheets that won’t warp under high heat and say goodbye to unevenly cooked treats. I recommend having baking sheets in various sizes to tackle different recipes, whether a small batch of cookies, a big sheet cake or even sheet-pan dinners. The right-sized sheet on hand makes life so much easier.
🥧Baking pans galore
Bakers need many types of pans, depending on what they are baking. A fancy bundt pan is always an appreciated gift, but every baker needs the basic pans for cakes, pies, muffins and bread. These are the pans that I keep in my cupboards.
- 8-inch round cake pans: I use these pans for cakes, cookie cakes, rolls, and some bread recipes. Buy two of these pans to make classic layer cakes.
- 9-inch pie plate: Glass pie plates are better for baking pies. Buy a shallow plate for cream pies and a deep dish for fruit pies.
- 9 by 5-inch bread pan: These pans are perfect for most bread recipes, but I also use them to bake a meatloaf or a pound cake. Choose metal pans for better baking.
- 13 by 9-inch baking pan: A classic-sized pan for cakes, brownies, bar cookies, casseroles and so much more.
- 12 cup muffin pan: Bake muffins, cupcakes and cookie cups in this pan. And it’s perfect for mini tarts, gratins and egg cups. The list is endless.
🌀Mixers
A stand mixer is a game-changer for any baker; it can do the work a handheld mixer can’t. My professional-style KitchenAid mixer is a powerhouse that makes whipping, kneading and mixing ingredients a breeze, saving time and effort. But, for small tasks, a small electric hand mixer does the trick.
⚖️Digital kitchen scale
Accuracy is key in baking and a kitchen scale allows for more accurate measurements of ingredients. Many recipes are written in pounds, ounces, and grams for this very reason.
🔥Silicone baking mats
Silicone baking mats give you a non-stick, even baking experience with no parchment paper mess. They provide a non-stick surface that ensures even baking. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and reusable, making them a sustainable choice. Perfect for those cookie marathons and pastry adventures.
🥄Quality baking tools
These are the tools I can’t live without:
- Silicone spatulas stand up to high heat and are used for stirring, mixing and scraping.
- A bench scraper comes in handy for moving food, cutting cookie bars and helping to ice cakes smoothly.
- Pastry brushes are useful for brushing on an egg wash to helping grease an intricate Bundt pan.
- A set of measuring spoons and cups is necessary for almost all recipes to get the correct measurement of ingredients.
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🎂Pastry bags and piping tips
Piping bags are not just for cake decorators. They are useful to add an extra flourish to many baked goods, from fancy cream swirls on pastries to filling pasta shells or deviled eggs. A piping bag and star tips are all a baker needs.
🍞Rolling pin
A sturdy rolling pin is essential for rolling out dough for pies, cookies and pizza dough. There are different types, but I prefer this French rolling pin with tapered ends, making it easy to grip and roll the dough.
🌡️Oven thermometer
An oven thermometer is a small, affordable gift every baker can use. This little gem ensures your oven’s honesty, ensuring no baking disappointments.
if you have a friend or family member who is totally into baking, finding the ideal gifts for bakers that complements their baking passion is a thoughtful gesture. So go beyond basic kitchen tools this year!
Whether you’re gifting a baking newbie or a seasoned pastry chef, these delights will sprinkle their baking journey with joy. Choose the perfect gift and watch their culinary creativity flourish with all kinds of bakery deliciousness.
Jere Cassidy is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to share easy recipes for all home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
