Baking is more than making all types of baked goods for many baking enthusiasts; it’s a creative hobby requiring certain tools and equipment to get the job done. That’s why I’m here to help you out! I’ve compiled a list of 10 must-have gifts for bakers for the everyday baker, perfect for those who are passionate about baking.
Trust me, these kitchen tools make great gifts for bakers and won’t just make their baking experience even more awesome but also show how much you appreciate those yummy treats they whip up.
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Cookie scoops
Gifting a set of cookie scoops is always appreciated. They are handy tools for any baker, ensuring perfectly portioned cookies every time. 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 that proves to be a versatile piece of equipment and should definitely be on the top of your gifts for bakers list! Look for heavy-duty rimmed sheets that won’t warp under high heat and will ensure there are no more 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
Bakers need many types of pans, depending on what they are baking. A fancy bundt pan is always an appreciated gift (then they can make you this Nutella Bundt Cake) 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, rolls, and certain 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. Opt for metal pans for better baking.
- 13 by 9-inch baking pan. A classic-sized pan for cakes, bar cookies, brownies, 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. A 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 will come in handy.
Digital kitchen scale
Bakers know that using a kitchen scale allows for more accurate measurements of ingredients, and many recipes are written in pounds, ounces, and grams for this very reason. I like how easy this digital scale is to use; you can easily zero out the weights, and it can weigh up to 22 pounds. And it’s RECHARGEABLE. No more dead scales just when you need it.
Silicone baking mats
Silicone baking mats are a baker’s best friend. They provide a non-stick surface that eliminates the need for parchment paper and ensures even baking. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and reusable, making them a sustainable choice. I use these mats for baking cookies and pastries and set pies on them to catch drips for an easy clean-up. You can even cut them to fit your various-sized baking sheets.
One OTHER must have silicone that I think ANYONE who makes Dutch Oven Bread is the Bread Sling (for lack of a better word)This thing is AMAZING! Let your dutch oven bread rise normally the first time. THEN punch it down, shape your loaf and place it on the Bread Sling with a bowl inverted over it.
Once it’s risen, use the sling handles to lift it and place it in your hot Dutch oven. Once baked, use the sling handles to pull it out of the pan the same way. This tool has revolutionized my bread-baking journey!
And by the way, my Dutch oven bread recipe makes QUICK Dutch Oven Bread. None of this overnight think-ahead stuff. Just decide you knead bread (lol) and get to work. It’s about 2 1/2-3 hours from start to finish.
Quality baking tools
Every baker needs high-quality baking tools to ensure the success of their recipes. I personally rely on these tools for most of my baking recipes and often find that I have duplicates of some items because I use them so frequently.
- 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 smooth.
- Pastry brushes are a baker’s friend from brushing on an egg wash to helping grease an intricate bundt pan.
- A set of measuring spoons and measuring cups is necessary for almost all recipes to get the correct measurement of ingredients.
Pastry bags and piping tips
Piping bags and tips are not just for cake decorators. They are useful to add an extra flourish to many baked goods, like a swirl of whipped cream topping on pastries for an elegant touch or to fill pasta shells, deviled eggs or pipe macaroons.
Rolling pin
A sturdy rolling pin is essential for rolling out dough for pies, cookies and pastries. There are different types, but I prefer this rolling pin with the measurement rings on the ends so you can tell how thick your dough is.
Oven thermometer
An oven thermometer is a small, affordable gift every baker can use to help determine the accuracy of the oven temperature. Just because the temperature on the oven says 350 F, that doesn’t mean that is the actual temperature inside. I keep this thermometer in the oven for a reliable way to monitor and adjust the temperature.
Essential kitchen tools are perfect for the cook, but if you have a friend or family member who is totally into baking, finding the ideal gifts for bakers that complements their baking passion can be a thoughtful gesture. Whether the baker is a seasoned pro or just starting their baking journey, these gifts will help them create even more delicious treats and make their time in the kitchen all the more enjoyable. So, knead no more — 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.
