Cookies, Cakes, and Pies … Oh, My!
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The Best Baking Essentials for Perfect Results Every Time.
Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked goods, not to mention the taste?! Cookies, pies, breads, cakes, you name it - we love it.
But did you know that baking is a science? This may surprise a few people, but it shouldn't be a deterrent to those wanting to get elbow deep in some dough.
Yet, like all sciences, baking requires the right tools to be successful. That's why we've put together this list of the best baking essentials for perfect results every time. Whether you're just starting out in the kitchen or you're a seasoned pro, these products will help you create amazing cakes, cookies, and more!
How We Choose Our Picks
The Happy Alpaca team has been baking scrumptious treats for years; be it for holidays, birthdays, or just because it's a Tuesday. We're by no means professional bakers, but we think we could hold our own on, say, The Great British Baking Show. *brushes powdered sugar off shoulders*
And with our personal experience, along with some in depth research to find the best products, we've curated a list of the basic baking tools everyone should own. After all, without the right tools, how are you going to enjoy all those cookies and such that you've been fantasizing about?
Check out our picks below.
Spring Chef Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons Set of 7
Why It Makes Us Happy
Sizes: 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 3/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 Tbsp, plus a leveler.
The rectangular design is narrow to fit into most spice jars.
The heavy duty stainless steel spoons won’t bend or rust.
Nifty Tidbits
They nest together for compact storage and come with a convenient ring that opens and closes to let you use one spoon at a time and then keep them all together when you're done.
Reviewers say they have had success placing the spoons in the silverware spots in the dishwasher.
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Why It Makes Us Happy
This 3 piece set includes 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup measuring cups.
Features bold and large measurements in both ounces and milliliters making them easy to read.
All Pyrex measuring cups feature a curved spout for non-mess pouring and easy-grip handles for comfort.
High-quality tempered glass is dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe.
Nifty Tidbit
Non-porous glass is BPA free, non-toxic and won’t absorb food odors, flavors, or stains.
KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls, Set of 3
Why It Makes Us Happy
This set includes a 2-1/2 quart bowl, 3-1/2 quart bowl and a 4-1/2 quart bowl.
These bowls feature non-slip bases that increase stability while mixing.
Dishwasher safe for easy clean up.
Each bowl has a pour spout on each bowl, helping and reduce chance of spills when transferring mixes.
Nifty Tidbits
These bowls nest together when not in use for easy storage.
They come with a 1-year hassle-free replacement and Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater
Why It Makes Us Happy
Model KSM3316X includes (1) 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Flex Edge Beater, (1) Coated Dough Hook, (1) 6-Wire Whip.
Features 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe.
The 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl can handle up to 5 dozen cookies in a batch. And combined with the beater or whisk, it features 67 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl; then lock the head in place while mixing.
Nifty Tidbits
Dimensions: Height: 12.3"/Width: 7.8"/Depth: 12.3"
Available in multiple colors.
Cuisinart HM-90BCS Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case
Why It Makes Us Happy
Includes beaters, chef’s whisk, dough hooks, spatula, instruction/recipe book and sturdy snap-on case to store mixer and accessories.
This 9-speed hand mixer has 220 watts of power with automatic feedback including SmoothStart feature with 3-low mixing speeds that eliminates splattering.
Detachable parts are dishwasher safe.
Nifty Tidbits
Comes with a limited 3 year warranty.
Available in 3 different colors.
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set
Why It Makes Us Happy
This set includes two 10-inch x 15-inch cookie pans, two 9-inch round cake pans, 9-inch square cake pan, 2 loaf pans, 9-inch x 13-inch rectangular cake pan with lid, 12-cup muffin and cupcake pan.
Oven safe to 450 degrees F.
The baking pans feature long-lasting, latte-colored nonstick inside and out to provide excellent food release with quick cleanup.
Non-stick material is free from BPOA, lead, and cadmium.
Nifty Tidbits
Hand wash only.
It is suggested to use silicone, nylon, or wooden tools to help keep the non-stick surface damage free.
Amazon Basics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat - Pack of 2
Why It Makes Us Happy
Set includes two food-grade silicone baking mats.
The non-stick silicone releases food without the need for grease, cooking sprays, or parchment paper. Perfect for baking, roasting, or food prep.
Oven-safe up to 480 degrees F.
Nifty Tidbits
Each baking mat measures approximately 11.6 x 16.5 inches (LxW).
Either wash the mats by hand with soap and water and allow to air dry, or place in the dishwasher (top rack only).
Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack
Why It Makes Us Happy
This cooling rack expands to 3 levels that stack on top of each other for cooling dozens of cookies or 3 cakes all at once without taking up a lot of space; once done, it collapses right back down for easy storage.
The durable non-stick and scratch-resistant coating allows food to slide off or pop out easily.
You can detach individual racks if you only need one or two for smaller batches.
Nifty Tidbits
For best results, hand wash the racks with warm, soapy water.
Comes with a limited 10 year warranty.
Farberware Classic Wood Rolling Pin
Why It Makes Us Happy
It’s made from moisture-resistant hardwood for durability.
The 360 degree rotatable handles are designed to provide maximum comfort and control while using.
Nifty Tidbits
Hand wash with a damp cloth for best results.
Also available in a French rolling pin design (no handles, just a seamless wooden pin with taped ends).
Pyrex 2-Piece Glass Pie Baking Dish Set
Why It Makes Us Happy
Includes (2) 9.5-inch glass pie plates.
These Pyrex glass plates feature wave-pattern rims for easy handling and a stylistic hint.
The durable tempered glass is also dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe.
Nifty Tidbit
This item has a limited 2-year warranty.
Reusable 10mm Baking Beans Pie Crust Weights with Wheat Straw Container
Why It Makes Us Happy
Made from food-safe ceramic stoneware
Works for temperatures up to 480℉.
Nifty Tidbits
Helpful tip- Wash with warm soapy water before first use.
For use - place the weights on parchment paper over the crust to prevent the crust from expanding during pre-baking.
3 Pcs Ice Cream / Cookie Scoop Set
Why It Makes Us Happy
Set of three different sized scoops perfect for keeping baking portions identically uniform.
With the ergonomic trigger release design, only a simple squeeze is required to easily release what you’re scooping.
Made of durable stainless steel, that can be hand washed or put in the dishwasher.
Nifty Tidbits
Small size (scoop diameter: 1.6inch/4cm, 1.2Tbsp/23ml/0.8oz). Medium size (scoop diameter: 2inch/5cm, 2.6Tbsp/42ml/1.4oz). Large size (scoop diameter: 2.4inch/6cm, 4Tbsp/60ml/2.4oz).
Can be used for more than just cookie dough, including scooping ice cream, as a melon baller scoop, meat baller scoop, even as measure spoon/scoop, etc.
Spring Chef Pastry Cutter Dough Blender
Why It Makes Us Happy
This thick 5 blade pastry cutter easily cuts through cold butter when blending into flour or sugar.
Features a soft grip rubber handle for comfortable use.
It’s dishwasher safe.
Nifty Tidbits
Good For More Than Just Cutting Butter - chop fruit and soft vegetables or nuts, mash up baby food, make salsa, guacamole and muffin topping.
Available in multiple handle colors.
Baking FAQs
People love to bake, or love the idea of baking, but they often have questions that need answers.
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to baking- from the ingredients you use to the techniques you employ. And unless you've interned in a patisserie, it can be hard to know where to start.
That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about baking so that you can get started with confidence. From tips on how to make the perfect cake or cookies, to advice on how to store your baked goods, we have the basics covered for you here.
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Best way to store baked goods is to place them in an airtight container as soon as they have cooled down. This will help them to stay fresh for a few days.
If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or bag.
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Yes, stand mixers are definitely worth it. In fact, a stand mixer is one of the most essential kitchen appliances for any baker or cook.
A good stand mixer can do everything from kneading dough to whipping cream, and it can save you a lot of time and energy in the kitchen. They come in a variety of sizes and prices, so there's sure to be one that's perfect for your needs. So if you're serious about cooking or baking, then a good stand mixer is definitely worth the investment.
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There are a few key baking ingredients that you should always have on hand. These include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and baking powder. These are the most common ingredients in cakes and cookies.
You might also want to keep some chocolate chips or nuts on hand for recipe add-ins.
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Cold butter is important in baking because it helps to create a nice, flaky crust. When the butter is cold, it will break into small pieces as you mix it with the flour. These small pieces will then create pockets of air in the dough, which will help the crust to rise and become deliciously flaky.
If the butter is too warm, it can immediately melt and leak out, resulting in a dry baked good.
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A good rule of thumb is to make the crust about 1/8-inch thick; thicker for deep dish pies; thinner for lattice top pies or specified in the recipe.
A too-thick crust will be tough and bready, while a too-thin crust will be papery and easily torn. A well-made crust should be tender, flaky, and golden brown.
Alpaca Approved for You
Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to upgrade your tool set, or a baking novice who needs stock up on the essentials, the Happy Alpaca team is here to help.
With the right tools, anybody can be a great baker. It's all about using the basic tools (like a stand mixer, or quality measuring cups/spoons) and following a good recipe step by step to achieve baked goods nirvana.
If you're ready to get started, pick up some of these essential baking products through the buttons above, and start whipping up some delicious treats today!
Stay Happy!
