Most cookie recipes call for baking your cookies on parchment paper, but what do you do if you don’t have any parchment paper?
No need to worry, you can bake cookies without parchment paper and have them turn out delicious with a great texture.
In this article you will learn how you can bake cookies without parchment paper. So read on for exactly what you need to use in it’s place.
How to Make Cookies without Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is great for baking cookies. It provides a non stick surface so you can easily remove your cookies for cooling and it also helps your cookies bake evenly.
Both of these attributes are important for baking cookies so what do you use when you don’t have any parchment paper?
Luckily there are numerous options for baking cookies without parchment paper, and you most likely have at least one of these options in your kitchen already.
Related: How to cool cookies without a wire rack
Baking Cookies without Parchment Paper
When baking cookies without parchment paper, you have two options. You can line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil or bake your cookies directly on your cookie sheet.
No matter which option you choose, you must grease your baking surface to ensure your cookies do not stick, this will also help the bottom of your cookies to bake more evenly.
You have multiple options for greasing your baking surface, read on for the best ways to grease your cookie baking surface.
Non Stick Cooking Spray
Most people have some version of non stick cooking spray in their pantry. And whether you are baking your cookies on aluminum foil or directly on your baking sheet, it is an excellent way to grease your baking surface.
Spray an even amount of non stick cooking spray on your baking surface prior to adding your cookie dough. Spray just enough for a light, even coating. And respray between each batch if baking more than one round of cookies.
Related: Non stick cooking spray alternatives
Lard
Lard is often overlooked in the modern kitchen, but it has been regaining in popularity in recent years. And it is one of my favorite baking fats. It also is great for greasing a cookie sheet.
You can spread a thin, even layer of lard directly on your baking sheet or on aluminum foil. Lard will prevent your cookies from sticking as well as help them cook more evenly.
Related: Lard substitutes
Butter
Butter is another great kitchen staple that can be used to grease a cookie sheet when you don’t have any parchment paper.
Spread a thin, even layer of butter either directly on your baking sheet or on your aluminum foil. You can use salted or unsalted butter, just be sure not to put too much. Just an even application of butter on your baking surface is enough to keep your cookies from sticking to the pan.
Related: Butter vs lard
Shortening
If you don’t have any of the other options, shortening can be used to grease your cookie sheet when you don’t have any parchment paper.
Apply your shortening either to your aluminum foil or to your cookie sheet in a thin, even layer. Reapply if baking more than one batch between baking.
Related: Baking with shortening
Bottom Line
While parchment paper is a great tool for baking cookies, it is not absolutely necessary. In fact, growing up I always baked my cookies directly on a greased cookie sheet and always had great results.
And even today, I don’t always use parchment paper when baking cookies for my family. While I prefer greasing my baking sheets with lard and butter, any of the options on this list will prevent your cookies from sticking to your baking sheet.