If you’re a fan of New York-style cookies, you know that the key to getting that perfect texture, delicious flavor, and flawless presentation lies in the details. And those details aren’t just about the recipe – they also depend on the tools you use. Today, I’m sharing a list of the best tools and equipment every baker should have when making cookies the true New York way.
Why is Choosing the Right Tools Important?
The right tools can make all the difference between an average cookie and a masterpiece. From preparing the dough to the final touches, each step requires specific equipment that makes the job easier and helps you achieve professional results. If you’re ready to take your baking to the next level, keep reading!
Before making cookies, you need to mix your ingredients evenly to get smooth, well-integrated dough. Here are the basic tools to help you achieve that.
Why you need it:
A mixer is essential for evenly combining your ingredients. If you want to get perfectly mixed dough, a quality mixer is a must-have in your kitchen.
Stand or Hand Mixers
Recommended Brands:
Vevor Stand Mixer: This is the mixer I personally use, and honestly, it hasn’t let me down in 2 years. I bought it at Walmart, and it’s a great option in terms of quality and price. It has a large capacity and good power, making it ideal for mixing large batches of dough. Its price usually ranges between $100 - $150 USD, depending on promotions.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer: Perfect for those who make large batches of dough. This one ranges from $300 to $400 USD, but it’s durable and reliable.
Cuisinart Hand Mixer: Ideal for smaller tasks or if you’re on a budget. Prices range from $40 to $60 USD.
Tips: If you're just starting out or don’t need a mixer for big batches, a hand mixer will do just fine. However, if you’re looking for durability and good power, the Vevor is a great option due to its excellent price-to-quality ratio.
Silicone Spatulas and Spoons
Why you need them:
They’re perfect for scraping the sides of the bowl and mixing the dough thoroughly without leaving any residue. Silicone is heat-resistant and easy to clean.
Recommended Brands:
Dollar General Spatulas: If you’re looking for an affordable option with good quality, the spatulas from Dollar General are perfect. They’re durable, resistant, and do their job well, with a price range of $2 - $4 USD.
OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula ($10 USD)
Wilton Silicone Spatula Set ($15 USD)
Tips: Make sure to choose spatulas that don’t absorb odors or colors and are heat-resistant.
While New York-style cookies aren't typically decorated, I’m mentioning decoration tools just in case you want to add a personal touch in the future. But for now, we’ll focus on the essentials!
A good oven and the right baking trays are key to achieving cookies that are perfectly golden on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside.
Quality Oven
Why you need it:
A well-calibrated oven is essential for baking cookies evenly. A convection oven is ideal because it distributes heat more efficiently. However, a standard home or conventional oven can also work just fine for baking New York-style cookies. The key is to control the temperature carefully.
Recommended Brands:
Breville Smart Oven Pro ($250 - $350 USD)
KitchenAid Convection Countertop Oven ($200 - $300 USD)
Tips: If you don’t have a lot of space, a compact convection oven could be a great solution for smaller batches. If you're using a regular home oven, it's important to monitor the temperature carefully. You can invest in an oven thermometer to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature, as sometimes built-in thermostats can be inaccurate. This way, you can guarantee your cookies are baked at the ideal temperature for the perfect texture.
Recommended Oven Thermometers:
Taylor Precision Products Oven Thermometer ($10 - $15 USD)
CDN ProAccurate Oven Thermometer ($12 - $18 USD)
Maverick Cooking Thermometer ($15 - $20 USD)
Tip: Oven thermometers are affordable and can give you the peace of mind that your oven is baking at the right temperature. They are typically priced between $10 and $20 USD.
Baking Trays
Why you need them:
A quality non-stick baking tray prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
Important Tip: Avoid using dark-colored baking trays. These trays tend to absorb heat more quickly, which can cause the cookies to burn or bake unevenly, especially around the edges. Opt for lighter-colored trays to ensure even baking and prevent over-browning.
Recommended Brands:
Tips: Thick aluminum baking trays distribute heat more evenly, which is crucial for high-quality cookies. Lighter-colored trays are less likely to cause over-baking and ensure a consistent, golden-brown result.
Choosing the right tools can be an investment, but I assure you, it’ll be worth it in the long run. I recommend starting with the basics, and as you improve your skills, you can gradually invest in more specialized tools. Remember, baking is an art, and just like any art, the right tools make all the difference!
If you have any tools that you consider essential for making New York-style cookies, I’d love to hear about them! Feel free to leave a comment below with your recommendations or questions.
Having the right tools not only saves you time but also improves the quality of your cookies. So, if you’re ready to bake the best New York-style cookies, don’t forget to invest in the right equipment! With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be making delicious, perfect cookies in no time.
Where to Find These Products
I’ve included links where you can find references for the products I’ve mentioned on Amazon. Just click to check out more details.
Disclaimer: These product recommendations are not sponsored. They are for reference only, and I always encourage you to choose tools that best suit your needs and budget. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferences and capacity. Feel free to explore and find the products that work best for you!