There is nothing more welcoming and delightful as a home filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. As you bake, you will realize that the cookie recipe is just as important as the cookie sheet you use and your oven.
In this guide, we will look at cookies baked on aluminum foil and if lining your baking pans with it is a good idea or not.
Can You Bake Cookies on Aluminum Foil?
Yes, aluminum foil can be used in the oven and is even the preferred choice of lining for some types of cookies. But there are some concerns that need to be addressed.
Nobody likes burnt cookies! To combat this concern some people choose to put paper towels between the pan and aluminum foil so as not have too much direct heat coming from below.
SEE ALSO: Why Cookies Burn On The Bottom
Whether you put your cookie dough on the shiny or dull side of foil, it will come out tasting just as good.
The reflection from the metal does not affect how much heat is conducted through to cookies inside!
Should You Bake Cookies On Foil?
When looking for cookie recipes online, you will notice that some will call for the specific use of aluminum foil instead of silicone trays or parchment paper.
We’ve already established that you can bake cookies on foil, and below, we look to expand on the pros and cons of using aluminum foil when baking cookies.
Advantages of Using Aluminum Foil When Baking Cookies
- Aluminum foil can last longer than parchment paper, making it cheaper to use over a long period
- After baking, it’s easier to clean up as you can discard the foil after use.
- Should give better colored and textured cookies with an extra crispiness!
Disadvantages of Using Aluminum Foil When Baking Cookies
- May cause your cookies to brown quicker than you’re used to so you need to adjust your baking time
- Aluminum foil might not suit your recipe (Need to do a test batch using your favorite cookie recipe)
- Any acidic ingredients may interact with the foil causing taste and texture changes
- If your oven temperature gets too high, your aluminum foil may be fused into the cookies, making them hard to separate after baking
- Sticky substances may burn or stick if you didn’t lightly grease your baking tray
What Cookies Bake Best on Aluminum Foil?
Aluminum foil forms an airtight seal that traps steam in your bar cookies as they bake, which helps them to stay nice and moist while still creating crisp edges.
You can turn almost any cookie recipe into a bar cookie, such as shortbread, chocolate chip, lemon bars, oatmeal and brownies.
Can we call brownies cookies? If it means we’re baking them, then yes.
Delicate cookies, such as meringue cookies, are probably best avoided.
Using Foil Lined Baking Sheet For Cookies
Here are five tips to keep in mind when baking cookies on aluminum foil:
Use Heavy Aluminum Foil
It is important to choose a good-quality heavy aluminum foil that will not tear easily when handling it. This can usually be found at any major grocery store or home goods retailer.
Avoid Recipes With Citrus Or Acids
Some types of cookies will not do well when baked on a foil. The acidity of citrus cookies will react with the metal in the foil and result in a bitter-tasting cookie and discolored aluminum.
Use A Greased Cookie Sheet To Prevent Sticking
Grease is the key to making awesome cookies! Luckily, you can use either butter or a baking spray for greasing your aluminum foil and piping or spooning them onto it.
Butter gives off richer flavors than oils do so it’s usually better suited when creating sweet cookies.
The choice of which one will depend on what kind of flavor profile your recipe was going after in terms with how much sugar vs salt etc. Generally speaking, if it called for it in the recipe then I would recommend using it.
Use A Cooling Rack
If you don’t have a cooling rack, you can cool your cookies on parchment paper to retain your cookies crispier exterior and soft, chewy center. Leaving them on the aluminum in your pan will continue the baking process and can make the cookies dry and brittle.
Replace When Needed
If your foil is starting to cake up with bits of cookie, replace it. The last thing you would want is for burnt pieces to fuse to the bottoms of perfectly cooked cookies.
Final Thoughts
Baking cookies on aluminum foil has both advantages and disadvantages. Whether you decide to try it or not depends on your preference, the recipe you’re using, and whether you think the pros outweigh the cons.
Keep in mind that when baking bar cookies, using heavy-duty aluminum foil is best so that it doesn’t tear easily.
Good luck with your cookie baking!
