Is your holiday baking in full swing? Here’s a list of kitchen items I can’t live without to make holiday baking and beyond as easy as possible.
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without those once-a-year cookies, cakes, and other sweets that you know and love about the season. If you’re a holiday baking lover, make sure to stock your kitchen with my top 6 kitchen tools that are essential for any home baker.
1. Rubber Spatula
There are a number of reasons why I love my rubber spatula. Its durability and flexibility make getting every last drop of cookie dough or cake batter out of the bowl effortless. I use rubber spatulas all year round – not only for baking but for everyday cooking as well. It is my go-to tool for any and every type of stirring – whether in a bowl, pan, pot, or beyond. If you don’t have at least one rubber spatula in your kitchen, that is a MUST.
Tip: Make sure to get a spatula that is both heat resistant and dishwasher-safe. This helps for cleanup, as well as allows you to use them during high heat cooking.
Top Pick: 4 Piece Silicone Spatula Set
2. Bowl & Pot Scraper
My next favorite tool that goes hand in hand with my rubber spatula is a bowl scraper. Not only can it help get the last drop of batter out of the bowl, but it also is a lifesaver when it comes to stuck-on messes. If you’ve ever struggled with baking sheets, muffin tins, pots, and pans that are caked with burnt-on spills and messes, you’ll be amazed how easily the bowl scraper gets them off with a little hot water.
Tip: Get the small, handheld bowl scrapers instead of the larger options. These get into small corners and spots better than larger scrapers, and don’t take up too much space in kitchen drawers.
Top Pick: KitchenAid Gourmet Bowl Scraper
3. Silicone Baking Mat
If you’re looking for a baking superstar, look no further than the silicone baking mat. If you’ve ever forgotten to spray a baking sheet before baking cookies or had treats that refuse to come off your cookie tray, prepare to have your baking woes resolved. The silicone baking mat has the non-stick properties of parchment paper, but can be used over and over, is dishwasher safe, and is flexible, which allows for easy storage and use.
Tip: Get different sized silicone mats, or even silicone muffin pans or loaf pans. This allows you to get the benefits of baking multiple mess-free treats at the same time.
Top Pick: GRIDMANN Pro Silicone Baking Mat
4. Cookie Cutters
You can’t think about baking holiday cookies without talking about cookie cutters! They are one of my holiday baking staples because of how easy they make holiday baking, as well as being an easy way to get the little ones involved too. I love having a collection of basic shapes like circles and stars, as well as more festive options like trees, candy canes, and stockings to give plenty of options. I usually add an extra one to my collection each year!
Tip: Use cookie cutters all year round for more than just cookies! Make lunchtime fun by using cookie cutters to cut sandwiches, veggies, fruits, and toast into fun shapes.
Top Pick: GWHOLE 20 Pcs Christmas Cookie Cutter Set Winter Theme
5. Apron with Built-In Oven Mitts
One of the newest holiday kitchen gadgets that I’ve been obsessed with is an apron that actually comes with built-in oven mitts! If you’re like me, oven mitts always seem to go missing at exactly the time you need them most. I always love wearing an apron during making not only to keep my clothes flour-free but also having one with pockets means my favorite gadgets and tools can be within reach at all times. I LOVE the ingenuity of having an apron with built-in oven mitts so I am never chasing down my lost oven mitts before the cookies burn.
Tip: This is one of my favorite holiday kitchen gadgets/tools to gift during the holidays to my fellow bakers! Get one for yourself, and one for your favorite baker at the same time!
Top Pick: Five Two Silicone Oven Mitts & Pot Holders
6. Oven Thermometer
Last, but certainly not least is the humble oven thermometer. It is one of the baking tools you must have but is often neglected or forgotten about. Do you experience cookies that are too dark on one side of the pan, but raw on the other or a cake that is never cooked evenly? Chances are, your oven isn’t actually baking at the temperature you think it is. Keeping a thermometer in your oven at all times, especially when baking can help make sure you are baking your treats at the proper temperature, and can also help you identify any hot or cold spots in your oven.
Tip: Opt for a thermometer with a hook, so you can hang it directly on your oven rack and out of the way.
Top Pick: Large 3″ Dial Oven Thermometer – KT THERMO
Baking With This List of Kitchen Items
Use any or all of these kitchen items for baking some of my favorite treats!
Ricotta, Cranberry, and Pear Mini Tarts (gluten-free)
Pistachio Coconut Lemon Squares
Blueberry Ginger Jam-Filled Scones
What’s top on your list of kitchen items for baking? Please share, I’d love to hear!
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