So you’re about to bake some cookies, but you don’t have a convenient cookie sheet. What now? Luckily, there are lots of options to bake cookies without a cookie sheet. You can use a baking sheet, muffin tin, glass casserole dish, and even a homemade tinfoil dish to bake.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I will be honest, I always have a cookie sheet on hand. But I also love being super creative. So, if anyone doesn’t have a cookie sheet, I’m the first person they ask. I’m here to share how you can bake cookies without a cookie sheet.
Surprisingly enough, you don’t need a cookie sheet to bake cookies – although it does make the process a lot simpler. There are plenty of alternatives, though, and you likely have the tools you need to bake cookies without a cookie sheet right in your kitchen arsenal.
Let’s bake some cookies!
Cookies Sheet Alternative
Sometimes when you’re baking, you have to step outside of the box. Although a cookie sheet is the best option for cookies, it’s not a must. You can still achieve cookie greatness by using one of these wonderful alternatives below.
Baking Sheet
A lot of people use the terms “cookie sheet” and “baking sheet” interchangeably, but they’re different. A cookie sheet is flat with a single raised edge. The thinness ensures that the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape, while the single raised edge makes it easier to remove.
A baking sheet has raised edges and a thicker base, but it’s a very versatile pan that almost everyone has in their kitchen. So, can it be used to bake cookies? You bet. In fact, this is the easiest cookie alternative to baking on a cookie sheet since they are so similar.
Muffin Tin
Who doesn’t love muffins? While baking cookies in a muffin tin won’t give you the classic circular cookie shape, it will taste exactly the same. Plus, you will have adorable cookie balls instead, which may even be better than a “regular” cookie.
Use a regular-sized muffin tin or make super-cute mini cookies with a miniature muffin tin. Make sure that you grease the pan properly, just as you would any other pan. Then, bake your cookies for the recommended amount of time. Keep an eye on them, as the time may alter.
Microwave (Plate and Wax Paper)
Did you know that you can bake cookies in the microwave? Talk about convenience! And, as long as you have a microwave-safe plate and some wax paper, you can be successful.
To make microwave cookies, place wax paper over a plate. Press the cookie dough slightly into the wax paper. Leave enough room for cookie expansion. Then, let them cook in the microwave for around 1 ½ minutes. After that, continue 30-second increments, checking in between.
Skillet
Skillet cookies? Sure, why not. You’re already using your skillet for everything, so add cookies to the equation. To make skillet cookies, preheat the oven to 375. Then, add a ton of cookie dough to the skillet. The goal here is to make giant-sized cookies rather than several small circles.
Once your cookie dough is secure in the skillet, bake it in the oven for 20 minutes. When you’re done, enjoy an XL cookie or cut it into squares or triangles for a fun cookie bar situation. (Seriously, cookie bars are some of the coolest things you’ll ever eat – try them sometime).
DIY Tin Foil Sheet
If you have aluminum foil on hand (and I know you do), did you know you can make a DIY cookie sheet? It’s all about layers (if you’ve seen Seinfeld, then just picture Kramer saying layers, Jerry, layers, and we can all laugh for a quick second).
But on a more serious note, you will want to combine so many layers of foil that it creates a solid cookie sheet that can handle the load of cookie dough. Pinch the edges together so the foil resembles a baking sheet and doesn’t unravel when you’re trying to remove it from the oven.
Waffle Maker
Waffle makers have become so incredibly popular lately and for a good reason, too. You can make just about anything in a waffle maker. For example, I made tuna cakes for lunch the other day and chaffles the morning after. So versatile!
With that in mind, you can make cookies in your waffle maker, too. Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough into the waffle maker and close the lid. Let the cookies bake for a few minutes. If you have a handy green light like mine, wait for the green light to pop up, which means “done.”
If you do not have a handy green light, simply check on your cookies every few minutes. Just like your cookies can burn in the oven, they can burn in the waffle maker, too.
Pizza Stone
A pizza stone is another top-notch alternative because it closely resembles a cookie sheet, being entirely flat with no raised edges. With a pizza stone, you can follow the same recipe as you would use with a cookie sheet. Super simple!
Glass Casserole Dish
Last but not least, you can use a glass casserole dish. However, this is not the ideal option as glass can break under high temperatures. Plus, glass dishes tend to retain heat for a longer period, which is not ideal for cookie baking.
That doesn’t mean you can’t be successful, though. You will need to reduce the temperature by around 25F and tack on an additional 10 minutes for baking.
FAQs
Now you’re a cookie expert that can create delicious treats without needing a cookie sheet. But we’re not done yet. Check out these frequently asked questions below to find out even more about baking cookies without a cookie sheet.
Yup! As I mentioned earlier, making your very own cookie sheet out of layered aluminum foil is a great alternative when you have nothing else to bake cookies with. And it works fantastically, too!
Yes, but the results may not be as good as using another method. However, the cookies will still taste fantastic!
What can I use if I don’t have baking paper?
There are many things you can use to bake with if you do not have baking paper. Parchment paper, aluminum foil, and a Silpat mat are all excellent things to cook with. Or forego this step altogether and properly grease your pan before baking.
A cookie sheet or jelly-roll pan is the best place to bake cookies. It has the ideal structure to ensure even baking and perfect cookie structure, resulting in perfectly textured cookies cooked evenly and accurately.
Final Words
A cookie sheet is an ideal place to bake your cookies, but it’s not necessarily a “must”. There are many alternatives to cookie sheets, with the best choices being a baking sheet or pizza stone. However, some fun options include muffin tins, waffle makers, or a DIY tin foil sheet.
Have you ever baked cookies without a baking sheet? Share with us below!
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