Baking cookies is a great way to spend time with loved ones. It’s also a chance for kids to learn how their favorite treats are made and what goes into them. But, can you bake cookies on foil?
I’ve had a lot of people inquire whether they should bake cookies on aluminum foil, and it’s one of the methods I’m frequently asked about.
This post provides the answer as well as some safety tips that should be followed when baking any type of cookie or biscuit dough. Read on to learn more.
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Difference Between Parchment Paper and Aluminum Foil
When it comes to baking cookies, there are two main types of materials that can be used: parchment paper and aluminum foil. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Parchment paper is a non-stick material made from silicone-coated paper. Cookies will not stick to it, so it’s great for baking delicate items like meringue or ladyfingers. It also prevents sticking and burning, making it a good choice for cookies that tend to spread out during baking.
The main reason for baking with parchment paper is that it doesn’t conduct heat. This results in a more even oven temperature, preventing your cookies from burning.
Aluminum foil, on the other hand, is a thin metal sheet. It’s less expensive than parchment paper but doesn’t have the same non-stick properties.
Foil is an excellent heat conductor, meaning the surface will generate a lot of heat. This is a good thing for most cooking methods, but not so much for cookies. It can result in an uneven bake and a burnt cookie bottom.
Can You Bake Cookies on Foil?
The answer: Yes! You can make delicious cookies using aluminum foil instead of a cookie tray or parchment paper. There are several things to keep in mind when baking cookies on foil, though.
Cook for a Shorter Time
Because foil conducts heat so well, the cookies will bake more quickly than they would on a cookie sheet. Start checking them after 8-9 minutes to prevent burning.
Space Them Out
Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the foil. This will help them cook evenly and not stick together.
Lightly Grease the Foil
Non-stick cooking spray is great for this, but you can also use butter or margarine. This will help keep the cookies from sticking to the foil.
Line Your Cooling Rack With Parchment Paper
Once the cookies are done baking, transfer them to a wire rack lined with parchment paper. This will keep them from getting too crispy or dry.
Reduce the Oven Temperature
Lowering the oven temperature by 5 degrees will compensate for any extra heat created by the aluminum foil. If your oven runs hot, it might help to turn it off for a short time. Then, return the temperature setting to where you normally bake and reduce it as described above.
Don’t use Foil for Citrus Based Cookies
If you are baking a citrus-based cookie such as a lemon cookie, avoid using aluminum foil. This is because the high acidity of the citrus fruit will react with the metal, causing it to discolor and give off an unpleasant taste.
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Will the Cookies Taste Different?
Using aluminum foil instead of parchment paper will not affect the taste of your cookies. It will affect the appearance and texture.
Cookies baked on parchment paper will be more evenly baked and will be soft and chewy. They will also be lighter in color.
Cookies baked on aluminum foil will have a crispy and darker bottom.
If you want to use aluminum foil as an alternative to parchment paper, make sure your cookies are spaced out and greased carefully with cooking spray or butter/margarine.
Benefits of Baking Cookies on Aluminum Foil
There are a number of benefits to using aluminum foil to line your cookie tray. So whether you choose to use foil or you have run out of parchment paper, keep in mind these advantages.
Cheaper in Price
Aluminum foil is cheaper than parchment paper. It’s also more durable and thicker, so it will last longer in the oven. This results in lower replacement costs over time.
Space-Saving
Parchment paper is more expensive than foil. The same number of batches can be baked on one sheet of foil as they can on four sheets of parchment paper. This saves money and materials in the long run.
Unlimited Possibilities
The only limit to what you can bake with aluminum foil is your imagination. It will allow you to experiment with different recipes which may not be possible on a cookie tray or parchment paper, such as delicate cookies and meringue.
Easy Clean-Up
Baking cookies on aluminum foil means there is one less dish to wash. Just fold up the foil and discard it. You don’t have to scrub the cookie tray or worry about any sticky residue left behind.
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Do I Need to Grease the Foil?
I hate it when my cookies stick to the foil after cooking, so I always lightly grease the aluminum foil before placing the cookies on it. You can use a baking spray, but I prefer to use butter.
If using butter, you only need a very small amount because if you use too much butter it will burn.
Does the Quality of the Aluminum Foil Matter?
The quality of aluminum foil does not matter when baking cookies. Any brand will work just fine. Just remember that the thinner the foil, the more likely it is to tear.
However, if you are using it to line a cake pan or another dish that will be in the oven for an extended period of time, it is best to use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This type of foil is thicker and can withstand higher temperatures without melting or warping.
Read More: Can You Put Aluminum Foil In The Microwave?
Can You Bake Cookies Without a Baking Tray?
Yes, you can bake cookies without a baking tray. Just place them on a greased sheet of aluminum foil instead. The downside is that they may not cook evenly because they will be in direct contact with the foil.
Parchment paper is still the best option for baking cookies, but if you are out of parchment paper or don’t want to use it, using aluminum foil as an alternative is a good second choice.
Another good idea is to line your oven rack with foil or parchment paper if you don’t have a tray. This reduces the clean-up and means you can cook a larger batch of cookies.
What Side of the Foil Should I Put my Cookies on?
The side on which you bake your cookies does not matter as long as it is greased. Cookies will come out the same regardless of which side you choose to bake them on.
The reason one side of aluminum foil is shiny and the other side is dull is a result of the manufacturing process. It has nothing to do with which side is better for baking cookies.
Can You Bake Cookies on Foil – Final Thoughts
Baking with aluminum foil is not as easy as using parchment paper, but it can be done with great results! As long as you keep these tips in mind, baking cookies on foil should be no problem at all.
Thank you for reading. Can you bake cookies on foil? The answer is yes, with a few caveats. Be sure to space them out and grease the foil, and reduce the oven temperature by 5 degrees if your oven runs hot. The cookies will have a crispy bottom and darker color. Enjoy!