Guest Picks: 20 Holiday Baking Necessities
Treat yourself to a good set of metal measuring cups and spoons. These ones by All-Clad are dishwasher safe and can be used as mini pans on the stove — who knew? Plus, they have markings on the inside to show off-size measures. I love them.
Silpats make it easy to keep cookies from sticking to the baking sheet. There are cheaper options out there too. Either way, they're totally worth it.
At least four large cookie sheets will make your baking a breeze, and having four of the same kind will ensure even baking for all your cookies.
Simple ring cookie cutters can make everything from plain sugar cookies to snowman-shaped cookies. Plus, there's a multitude of other uses you'll find for them beyond just cookies.
Nothing makes scooping cookie dough easier than using, well, a scoop. You get even rounds and hands that aren't sticky. It's just good.
If you've never rolled out pastry dough on a marble slab, you're missing out. We can't all afford full counters of marble, so this is a great alternative. Pull it out when you need it.
You definitely want at least two pie plates. Sure, the ones you can just throw away seem convenient, and sometimes they are (think pot luck), but having the real deal is a must.
You need a great rolling pin for everything from pie crust to sugar cookies. Opt for one that's heavy duty and nonstick.
You may only break this tool out a couple times a year, but when the time comes to cut butter into the dry ingredients, you'll be glad to have it.
A good food processor can go a long way with baking. It's especially good for making dough, which is no fun to do by hand, in my opinion.
Most recipes using a springform pan require a 9-inch diameter, so you typically don't need to buy a whole set (although I did). Do yourself a favor and go nonstick.
I love my tube pan and use it for all recipes that call for a traditional Bundt pan. The best part is that the bottom is removable, making serving a breeze.
Try dusting the tops of cakes with powdered sugar using anything other than a fine mesh strainer, and you'll be super frustrated. It's also great for sifting flour and straining delicate things like berries.
If you currently use a knife to frost cakes, then the moment you get your hands on an offset spatula, you'll wonder why you never owned one before. They make frosting a breeze.
You'll need two 9-by-13-inch cake pans for a complete baking set.
You will want three of these nonstick round cake pans. Use them individually or to build a fabulous layer cake.
You'll want at least two loaf pans; they can be used for things like pumpkin bread during the holidays. After the holidays are over, pull them out to make meatloaf or fresh loaves of homemade bread.
A nonstick, dishwasher-safe spatula/turner has so many great uses. You'll only need one.
Save valuable counter space with a set of stackable cooling racks. Use them separately or stack them up. Either way, they make cooling cookies, pies, cakes and other baked goods a breeze.Next: Baking Stations Make Cooking More Fun
Give a holiday feel to your cookies without getting too kitschy with reindeer and Santa.
Q