Let’s Talk: All About Cookie Scoops + Lots of Other Uses!
First up, you guys, let me just say how overwhelmed I was at your response to my last Let’s Talk post. I’ve come back to it (your comments, really) so many times over the last few weeks and I want you to know how much each and every one of your comments meant to me. It’s hard to explain really. Thank you, thank you.
Now. Shifting gears. Let’s talk about cookie scoops.
If you ever get me alone, chances are I’ll probably crack a couple awkward, dumb jokes and then start waxing poetic about either my Bosch mixer, the wheat grinder I adore or…my cookie scoops. Because I can’t live without them.
I could probably make a pretty good case about why cookie scoops are 100% essential to your daily happiness. I know for sure they are 100% responsible for the excessive cookie baking done around here.
I decided to get out all three of my beloved cookie scoops and do some testing (or in other words make about 83 pounds of cookie dough) to figure out exciting details like how much cookie dough fits in each scoop and how big the baked cookies are, among other things.
Baking nerds unite.
I’ve had the cookie scoops pictured in this post for years. Probably over five years. I highly, highly recommend them because not once have they failed me and let me tell you, I’ve made a lot of cookies in my day (I’ve heard other cookie scoops end up rusting or the springs pop or come loose).
I put these babies straight in the dishwasher; they are sturdy and functional and really quite perfect as far as cookie scoops go. I bought them years ago on Amazon but I suspect they are available in kitchen supply stores or even possibly at Target or Walmart although I haven’t looked specifically.
I have the following sizes:
Small #60 Cookie Scoop
Medium #40 Cookie Scoop
Large #20 Cookie Scoop
As you can see from the picture below, the small scoop fits about 2 teaspoons of dough, the medium about 1 1/2 tablespoons and the large a whopping 3 tablespoons of dough. We’ll talk in a second about how that translates into baked cookies.
By and far, I use the medium size most of the time for cookies. Like, 96.3% of the time (but man, get a load of all the different uses a little farther down wherein the small and large sizes really shine). And since I love you and feel like I can confess these types of things to you (remember this Let’s Talk series is casual and soul-defining), I actually have two of the medium scoops. And am contemplating a third. You never know when three varieties of cookies may be happening in your kitchen at the same time.
So, how does the size of the scoop translate into actual, baked cookies? Well, take a look. That small cookie scoop is less than an ounce of dough and the baked cookie is about 2-inches in diameter. The medium cookie scoop is 1.25 ounces of dough and yields a 3-inch cookie. And that behemoth cookie scoop and it’s 2.25 ounces of dough is going to give you a very hearty 4-inch cookie. Hubba hubba.
Of course, these exact details are dependent on the recipe – some cookies are more puffy and others spread out more which would obviously affect the overall size. For your average chocolate chip cookie recipe (you know, the ones that call for one cup butter to start), you’ll probably get right around 3 dozen cookies with that medium cookie scoop. (For the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe on my site, I get slightly less since the recipe starts with 10 tablespoons butter, not 16 like a lot of recipes.)
I often use the small cookie scoop when I want adorable, tiny cookies to garnish bowls of ice cream or cupcakes or something super cutesy like that. And the large cookie scoop is the perfect size for bake sales and when you just want a large and in charge cookie. Which happens more often than one would think.
But…guess what? Cookie scoops aren’t just for cookies. In fact, some of the other handy dandy uses kind of blew my mind when I clued in to the multi-purpose tool thing. Which, totally justifies me owning more cookie scoops than I have children, right? Right.
Portioning out no-bake cookies (oh my, I have a version coming soon that will knock your socks off)
Scooping out cupcake or muffin batter into pans (mess-free and amazing)
For mini cream puff dough (just figured this one out; brilliant with that small scoop)
Pancake and waffle batter (the large scoop is perfect)
Meatballs, baby (mini meatballs or regular – works like a dream)
Deviled egg filling (I know, right? The small scoop will revolutionize your deviled egg ways)
Scooping out the pesky innards of the cantaloupe (and the seeds of a giant zucchini)
Portioning sloppy joe filling onto buns (scoop and done)
Making cute little mounds of guacamole and sour cream for taco night (because cute matters)
——————————————————-
Anyway, I know cookie scoops aren’t going to change the world or anything but I love ’em and thought it was about time I told you why. As always, share your thoughts about cookie scoops in the comments below. And, stay tuned because Monday, I’m sharing a chocolate chip cookie recipe that just might change the world actually.
Later, skaters.
*This is not a sponsored post, I just love cookie scoops more than life. There are a few Amazon affiliate links in the post since I purchased my cookie scoops from there but as always feel free to shop around!*
188 Comments on “Let’s Talk: All About Cookie Scoops + Lots of Other Uses!”
I atoo!lso use mine for wonton filling, stuffed pasta shell filling, potato salad portions, & anything I want to portion out. Love them
Is there a trick to not breaking the scoops? I just bought my third one and it broke before I had even scooped a dozen cookies!
Oh my goodness!!! A woman after my own heart!! I actually have 3 medium scoops and thinking of getting more and possibly another large scoop!! Love using the medium one for Taco meat too! (I make homemade tacos, and just nice to make sure there’s enough may to go around).
I love my scoops! In my opinion, you can never have enough. Oh! The small scoop is great for mini muffins and cupcake pans! Works perfectly!!
I hate autofill. It’s meat not may
Hello. Just found you googling about cookie scoops! Thank you for your candidacy and humor! Cracks me up when recipe says “a 1 inch ball” like how can I eye that? I cannot! lol. So obviously they baked out in different sizes because I started to get a anal about it. Ha! Please would you tell me what brand scoops you got and are great? Thank you! Looking forward to your recipes! lenore
Hi Lenore, I have the OXO scoops and love them!
Thank you. I’ve been looking for info on cookie size/scoop size comparison.
Well done!
I love cookie scoops too!
I’m taking a baking course at my local community college and I needed a scope for home use. You provided great information and photos. Thank you for providing such a helpful resource.
Great post! I always wondered what the actual measurement was for those scoops (which I don’t have ), and having a slightly, oh okay, overly precise personality, I like EVERYTHING to be uniform. Thanks for the help!
Love this tutorial on cookie scoops. I’ve just made five kinds of Christmas cookies without one, but I used by handy scale to weigh the dough balls. I’m trying to wean myself from Amazon, but hope to be able to find the OXO scoops elsewhere at a reasonable price. Anyhow, I’m sold! Thanks
What brand of cookie scoop are you using that is so terrific? Did I miss it? You say you purchased on Amazon, but there are LOTS on Amazon!
They are the OXO brand.
I bought this set on Amazon (#20; #40; #60). They are heavy weight and of good quality, and all 3 for $23. Similar look and feel to the Oxo.
Cookie Scoop Set – Include 1 Tbsp/ 2 Tbsp/ 3Tbsp – 3 PCS Cookie Scoops for Baking – Cookie Dough Scoop – Made of 18/8 Stainless Steel
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LVY3F83/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_-TpZFbQDT86AG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I just ordered the #50 scoop from Amazon. Excited to bake some cookies. I may want a Larger Scoop. They are so easy to use !!
Stumbled onto your site by chance. Love the cookie scoops info. Thank you. Will be watching this site now.
can you please tell me how many teaspoons are in size 100?
I love this!! Thank you for writing it!
Why don’t they make a teflon coated cookie scoop? That way when I’m mixing sticky chemicals in the garden I can borrow my wife’s cookie scoops
What is the manufacturer of your scoops?
OXO
Great way to show the differences. I, too use the medium size alot. I have come across one that says it’s #50 commercial size but I can’t find out what it holds. By the pictures you show, it’s somewhere between 2 tsp and 1 1/2 tbsp. I need one that’s about 1 tbsp. Would you happen to know?
I don’t know of a cookie scoop that size – darn!
#60 is about 1 Tablespoon according to the Solula cookie scoop I bought on the Amazon site.
I use a tablespoon to scoop when wanting a cookie that size.
#20
1Tbsp, .50 oz, #20
The link I used for Amazon from your article said it was for a #60 1” but actually it sent it to a #70 which I didn’t notice until it came – they don’t seem to have a #60 and I do want one as small as possible for some things
Very helpful article! I jave been looking to purchase cookie scoops to better portion my cookie dough. May I know where you purchase yours? Preferably a set with small, medium, large. Thank you!
I buy them on amazon. 🙂
Thank you for this, very helpful..
I just received my first scoop. I wasn’t sure I got the correct size but medium it is and the cookies came out just right!!
I think I need another one now same size, I got this one, the highest rated I could find. Solula Professional 18/8 Stainless Steel Medium Cookie Scoop
Do you have a favorite?
Also do you have a special sifter you like? I use a regular open sifter not a special one but will update if it’s necessary. Staying home from work has taught me to be
a better baker. Thanks for all the info.
I’ve always used OXO cookie scoops and really like them. I don’t have an official flour sifter (I use a fine mesh strainer). Let me know if you have other questions!
I randomly typed “how many oz in a Tbsp” and lo and behold it brought me here! Perfect for what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been planning to buy a good quality scoop for quite some time now and now I definitely would.
By the way, your cookies look a-m-azing!!! Cheers to baking nerds
I have a OXO #60 and #20. I just made some cookies with the #60 and thought they were a bit on the small side. But I didn’t want them to be as big as the #60. Where did I go first for info to see of there is size in between that exists? HERE! I knew you’d have some cookie scoop thoughts!
I am almost wishing I didn’t research now though, because for years and years, our “standard” size has been the #20. Now I realize how giant that is and I feel like a glutton! And of course, my kids think anything smaller than the #20 is “too small”. You learn something new every day… off to buy a #40 and try and convince the family that is’t the same size as the #20 cookies they are used to. Haha!
Thanks so much for solving the cookie dough scooper mystery for me. Happy baking!
This was SO helpful! Thank you for taking a pic with the dough in the scoop, outside of the scoop, and then what the finished cookie looked like. I definitely like to read instructions and then see a demo, so this was incredibly helpful. I found the medium and large size at Target (because hello, I live in Minneapolis!) but they don’t have the small size. I will have to find that one for all the cute things you suggested. Really happy I found your blog—additionally so since this was posted in 2015!
Hi. I own cookie scoops like the ones you have shown above (mine are the Pampered Chef ones). I’ve recently started making cookies with my 8yo special needs granddaughter weekly., but her hands aren’t strong enough to squeeze the cookie scoop to release the dough. Someone told me there’s a silicone cookie scoop that you can press with a thumb to release the dough, but I haven’t been able to find it. Do you know of one?
Oh man, I haven’t seen one like that, Kathy! But I’ll update this thread if I find one online!
Hi. I have the silicone cookie scoops. You can buy them at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The only issue o have found is when you press it using your thumb, sometimes your nails pushes it. The silicone has torn on 2 of my scoops bc of my nail and they don’t work as well after that. Hope this helps 🙂
Do you mean like what King Arthur Flour makes?
Amazon also has ones called “Zomg cookie dough scoop”. There isn’t a mechanism so I’m guessing you push on the back of the scoop.
Zing not Zomg – auto correct
Thank you for this helpful article and for providing beautiful imagery! My apologies if someone already mentioned, but I just wanted to point out; In both the narrative and picture, the small scoop says to be 2 TSP, and medium 1 1/2 TSP. I’m guessing the medium scoop was intended to be 2 1/2 TSP? 🙂
Is there a smaller cookie scoop? If so where can I buy it? Thanks Jo Ann Gennaro
I don’t know if a cookie scoop smaller than the #60 detailed in this post.
Just got a set of three scoops for Christmas. This post had the basic information I was looking for and some great ideas for multiple uses. Chocolate chip cookies are on the horizon. NB: my son-in-law doesn’t see the need for any except the large scoop.
Hello! If a recipe says to make a one Inch ball of dough for each cookie….about how many ounces would each dough ball weigh? If you were to guess. Thanks
Probably about an ounce? I’m not entirely sure, though…
Thank you for your help!
1oz, #40
Thank you! The pictures really helped 🙂
Hello,
I too love cookie scoops, and especially to use them correctly! I’m a long time baker and cook, at the grandma stage. I will be checking out your site alot. Take a peek at my blog and my recently published cookbook – marilynraff.com thx!!
I’ve been considering buying cookie scoops for a while now but couldn’t decide on a size. After reading your very informative (and funny!) review, I’ve decided the medium one is best for my needs. That is, until I fall in love with it and end up getting the two others as well after all. Thanks for the funny and informative post.
Thanks, Emma! 🙂
What size scoop do I need to make cookie dough balls 1 inch in diameter for peanut butter blossom cookies?
Probably a #20 scoop but I’m not completely sure
The middle one. I use the smallest for PB protein breakfast cookies with a single chocolate chip in the center – they come out to be half an inch balls.
#40
I would like to know where you got your cookie scoops from. I cannot find it anywhere.
Please help.
I bought them from Amazon.
Wondering where that version of no bakes that will knock my socks off is 😉 I’ve tried finding it but only found the healthier one, is that the one you’re speaking of?!
Yes, that’s the one. 🙂
Older recipes usually refer to using tablespoons of cookie dough, so to make things easier for me I use this cookie scoop rule:
For 1 tablespoon, use the small scoop (I have the very same scoops as yours).
For two tablespoons: use the medium.
For three tablespoons: use the large scoop.
Also if the recipe instructs to flatten out the dough, use the small scoop for nice thin, crispy cookies.
Woah, the cookies on the pictures are all-tremendous looking ! So picture perfect ! What recipe do they come from 🙂 ? And how do you achieve that crackly top?
Thanks !
Thanks for the scoop weight amount. I’m preparing to take over a volunteer position of cooking for 130 people and need to know how many cookies a recipe actually makes. Now I can weigh a batch and then know for next time!
BTW I love to talk cooking too. Someone once asked me what my favorite sport was and I said “cooking”.
I have a scoop but the dough sticks and I have to take my finger and pull it out.
Your scoop should have a a release lever that scrapes out the dough and drps it onto the sheet. I also use a small squirt of Pam in the scoop to help release the dough.
Can you use these for scooping fruit like watermelon,cantaloupe ect..
I’ve never tried that but I’m sure you could.
This is a great post! My question is about timing. How do you adjust the timing from a recipe if you increase or decrease the size of the cookie? Is it just a matter of keeping an eye on them or something more scientific? Thanks!
I don’t really have a scientific method – if I make the cookies larger or smaller, I just kind of check through the oven window and keep an eye on them (a lot depends on the actual cookie recipe).
The OXO #60 scoop I have actually holds one tablespoon, not the 2 teaspoons you list here. Also, the #30 is useful as it contains 2 level tablespoons, which is often called for in cookie recipes, especially in America’s Test Kitchen. Thank you for the article on the scoops.
Your article about cookie disher size is helpful. But, I like to make my cookie dough into bars. I have been doing research online to fine the best way to spread my dough out onto my sheet pan. Since my method is not working for me — don’t even ask how many ways I’ve tried — I thought maybe using a disher might help get the dough onto the pan and close enough to facilitate a good spread so instead of round cookies, I would end up with a full pan of bars. Can you give me any tips? I usually back my bars on a 13×18 pan.
There are some specialty baking pans out there that make a rectangular, rather than round, “brownie”… that might work to help you make the bars without ragged edges from cutting…. it might be worth getting one (or more) if you make a large number of bar cookies
Hi my name is Sandra and I want to buy the 3 cookie scoops you use could you please tell me the brand and where I can purchase them.
Thankyou Sandra
They are the OXO brand and I bought mine on amazon.com.
This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you for your thoroughness!
=)
Cookie scoops made my baking life so much better! I have a question for you. How do you get the dough into the scoop so perfectly? Do you shape it or level it off with a knife? I typically roll my dough into balls when I make cookies, but if I want to just scoop and drop, I usually end up with a messy glob of dough in the bottom of the scoop. Thanks!
Hey Jessica, I usually scoop it into the dough and then slide it up the bowl and across the edge of the bowl to flatten it out. My caveat is that after I drop the cookie onto the sheet, I’m a perfectionist and I roll it to be smooth as well.
Thanks for the quick reply! I’m a perfectionist too (and a baking nerd…I’m always on the lookout for how to get cookies just right). I definitely roll more than I scoop. I love how round the cookies turn out and they seem to come be a little puffier, which I prefer. Your technique looks as if it would be more likely that all of the balls would be the same size, which I have trouble with. I actually don’t remember the last time I scooped and dropped. I’ve been wanting to experiment with recipes that just scoop and drop, and when I saw how perfectly the dough was in your scooper, I thought that would be a great way to do so because the bottoms would be more uniform.
What size scoop do I need to make cookie dough balls 1 inch in diameter for thumbprint cookies?
It really depends on the batter and how much it spreads, but probably the smallest size scoop (#60)
For those asking about durable scoops, Vollrath is the brand name used in professional kitchens, and they are called dishers instead of scoops (but are the same thing). They’ll cost a couple more dollars but they LAST.
I also use mine to scoop icing between cake layers. Less mess, and I know I get the same amount each time.
Okay I have an cookie scoop with an sprang in it very good one and it broke I had an hard time releasing the dough out but it did not break until I put in to wash it I have another I got fro cooking store gust like the one they sell on Amazon store with spring but like I said it’s hard to release all the dough and I do scrap side for excess dough I gust woul like to get that nice round cookie for real
If I want to make the large 4 inch cookie (4tbsp), how long would you typically come that for if a standard (medium) size cookie sales for 12 mins? Is there an easy way to calculate the bake times?
Usually just adding a few minutes to the bake time for larger cookies will work – a lot depends on the cookie dough and oven temperature.
Thank you for your post – I really enjoy the photos!
I just found this post while doing a Google search for this very thing. Very helpful! I’ve been roped into helping make a ton of cookies for an event and wanted to purchase a cookie scoop but wasn’t sure which one to get. This post is awesome 😀 Medium scoop, here I come!
Thanks Mel!
You can also use the cookie scoops to fill eggs for deviled eggs. Fast and easy and equal.
Could you please tell me the size of the three scoops in cm or mm?? Thanks
I haven’t measured them, but I believe the details are on the Amazon links. If not, let me know and I’ll dig mine out and measure them.
Here are the dimensions from Sur La Table:
1 5/8″ = 1.625″ = 41.275 mm
https://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-1263276/OXO+Good+Grips+Cookie+Scoops
And the manufacturers:
https://www.oxo.com/products/cooking-baking/baking-tools/medium-cookie-scoop
Hi Mel! I was wondering but would you happen to know how much a #50 scoop is? (I mean all of the measurements you provided for us: tablespoons/teaspoons, width of cookie, ounces/grams)? Thanks!
Hi Sabrina – that’s a great question, but unfortunately I don’t know! Have you tried a quick google search?
The disher size number is how many scoops per quart you can get, so #50 = 1/50 qt = 1.28 tablespoons, or 0.64 fluid ounces.
Here is a great chart that shows lots of measurements for each dishermsize:
https://www.chowstatic.com/uploads/9/8/5/1342589_disher_size_chart.jpg
I always use a #50. It holds 1.3 tablespoons (so a tablespoon plus a teaspoon), makes a 2 5/8″ cookie and each dough ball will weigh 23 grams. I found this post while looking for more info on cookie scoops and just realized I am a giant cookie scoop nerd. I have an algebraic equation to calculate the volume based on the gauge. Lol.
I broke two of the OXO scoops and a third of a different brand. All broke the same: the little gear at the bottom came out of alignment and the metal piece holding it in place became bent. I have used pliers to fix it multiple times until I just got fed up with them and tossed them. Junk.
Any scoops you’d suggest without moving parts?
Hi Paul, I’m not sure about scoops without moving parts. I’ve had the OXO cookie scoops for several years and they are still going strong, so I haven’t tested out any other brands. Sorry about that!
I have had the same Problem!! Please post if you find something sturdy that doesn’t break from scooping cookie dough…It’s RIDICULOUS!
Our church is using the medium scoop for putting sour cream into a 2 oz. cup for baked potatoes meals. We have a problem of the sour cream sticking to the scoop. (yes it does have a scraper) after a few uses. Any suggestions on how to avoid the sticking?
Hmmm, that’s odd…I use my scoop for sour cream, too, when I serve large lunches, but don’t remember having that problem. Can you try spraying it with nonstick cooking spray at the beginning?
Hello! I too am ashamed to say I don’t own a cookie scoop but I will by end of week! One question, do you flatten out your cookies once on the cookie sheet or do they bake from the round shape – tight out if the scoop?? Thanks for such great ideas….my first post ever!!
Hi Karen – excited for you to get a cookie scoop! Usually I don’t flatten them; they’ll spread while baking. 🙂
This cookie scoop blog “Just won’t die” – and I think that is awesome! Because, it is the little things in life!
PS You forgot … they are the perfect scoop for crab cakes…
Ok, so I’m a little late to the conversation…I bought a #60 cookie scoop a few months ago, thinking the next time I make cookies, I’d like for them all to be the same size. As it turns out, I first used it to make my favorite swedish ball recipe. WHOA!! What a difference! A whole world of difference! I made a ton of meatballs, just the right size. The recipe is a little involved as it is, but the scoop just made it super easy!! HAPPY DAY!! I know, I know, I sound a little excited, but the scoop DID make a difference. Now I need to buy the other 2 sizes. Question: when you compare sizes, and the amount that the scoops hold, is that a heaping or level scoopful? I tend to scoop, then scrape the scoop against the bowl to make it level. Thank you for all of the info!! 🙂
I usually keep it pretty evenly leveled.
Do you use any spray so the dough doesn’t stick?
I don’t…but I suppose you could.
Hi
I just have one but I cannot tell from your lovely post if mine is small or med.
Mine is 4cm across. Amazon seems to say this is a medium one.
But the cookies made are just a little big for my new craze of packaging my cookies into decorated Pringles cans so I am hoping there is a cookie scoop that is smaller than 4cm across.
How wide is your small #60 please?
Ta
Jane
I just measured and it is about 3.5 cm across.
I have used so many cookie scoops over the years. They always end up breaking. So sick of cheap ones and ones that say they are strong and will last and then break after a few uses. Please help me….. I hate using spoons. Are pampered chef’s scoops really that good?
I need you to post the different size cookie scoop and the size of finished bake cookies!
Please post on FB the different sizes of scooped and finished bake cookie! Me and a lot of folks would love that! Thank you, Brenda Healey in Tillat,AR.
I totally use my cookie scoop for cake batter when making cupcakes! Also love using it to frosting cupcakes. Hello easiest frost job ever!
In addition to the three sizes you have, I recently added a 4T scoop, and it gets used almost exclusively for measuring shortening and peanut butter. They’re also very useful for (gasp!) ice cream. Every so often I’ll use the small one and make a snowman dessert, or Mickey Mouse…. A few pretzels/raisins/chocolate chips /etc and my kids think I’m awesome.
Ok, you’ve convinced me I need to buy cookie scoops. I can’t believe I don’t have any! Thanks!
I was just telling a friend of mine how much I love my cookies scoops. I have the same ones minus the small one (but it’s on my wish list!). They make me so happy cause they make things so much easier (and cutier! 😉 Thanks for your ideas for other uses, I’m excited to try them for deviled eggs and sour cream/guac! Fabulous ideas!
One thing you didn’t mention that I have used my medium one for is scooping ice cream in kiddie cones. Very cute.
You are just so fun! Love this site and all your personality! Can’t wait for you no bake cookies! 🙂
I’m totally using the sour cream scoop idea! My kids will love it, and I love when cute is easy!
Can’t make cookies without a scoop! I first got mine over 10 years ago & I’ve been hooked ever since. I use the smallest scoop for when I want to make what my teenagers like to call ‘potato chip cookies’ – meaning the cookies are so small, they eat them in handfuls, like potato chips! Love all your posts Mel – you are my favorite blogger!
I just bought a medium cookie scoop on a whim at the Le Creuset outlet about a month ago, and I don’t know how I ever baked cookies without! Holy smokes! In love.
I have had the Pampered Chef cookie scoops in these 3 sizes for about 12 years and could not live without them! Watermelon or other melon balls are easy to do with the small scoop too–just another thing we use them for. And my kids have used them to scoop out ice cream often also. They have held up very, very well and I love them. Thanks for your Let’s Talk series Mel. You are the best!
I love my medium OXO brand scoop! I asked for the small scoop for Christmas, and my well-meaning mother got me a different brand. I thought I’d try it, but the little thumb button is so annoying to use and it doesn’t release all the dough. I like the OXO scoop’s squeezy handle so much better and it releases the dough cleanly and quickly.
I love my cookies scoops and use them for pretty much the same things you do. I actually wish there was an extra large cookie scoop, I would love playing with one that big.
There is! Jenalyca makes an extra large and a jumbo eveen larger. It was rated slightly higher than the OXO on the review for 2019 that I read. You can buy in a set or separately, but you may have to order from the company as Amazon doesn’t seem to carry it.
I love that you are talking about cookie scoops. I have a small and medium and use them quite often.
I love your “Let’s Talk” posts . . . and I love your blog. Yours are the only recipes I trust to use on guests without a trial run. And I use my Pampered Chef scoops all the time — have the small and medium ones. The little one is especially good for your Quinoa Bites recipe — which is a family favorite.
Do you scoop and drop directly on pan or give them a little roll in your hand to smooth the dough? I seem to get a wierd texture if I don’t roll them out too.
Most of the time I just scoop them right on to the pan but sometimes after I drop them on the pan, I give them a little roll in my hands to smooth them out.
I love using my little scoop to make mini cookie sandwiches out of your chocolate sugar cookies (with a yummy caramel frosting on the inside of course). I’ve done it so many times for different events that I finally bogged about it…
http://onatuesdayevening.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-grad-school-pinterest-and.html?m=0
I just ordered a medium scoop…I don’t make cookies often, but I do make meatballs often..still…but, when I saw it was an OXO – case closed!! I’ve never purchased an OXO anything that I wasn’t 100% satisfied with and top that with a Mel recommendation = WIN-WIN!
I LOVE using my large scoop for muffins (it never seems to work for cupcakes-the batter usually ends up spreading over the sides of the holes and I get a weird looking cupcake). I also love the medium one for meatballs. Amazing!
Another great use is for measuring/scooping coconut oil! Life changing! Can’t live without my cookie scoops! Orson Gigi in Salt Lake City, Utah has a huge supply of sizes! (If you’re in that area and just can’t wait the two days for Prime shipping!)
Question about your preferred cookie scoop brand…does the little scraper go ALL the way around when you drop the dough out of the scoop? I don’t know if that made sense, but I have two cookie scoops that I like to use, BUT I’m left-handed and it never really scoops everything out unless I’m holding it with my right hand because it really only scrapes part of the scoop. Derp. So awkward with my right hand!
I’ll have to try it with my left hand and see what you mean but using my right hand, it seems to scoop all the way around.
Hi Nicole – I have OXO scoops (and use them ALL THE TIME) – I’m a lefty and they work great for me 🙂
I’ve been using my large cookie scoop for watermelon this summer. I just cut my watermelon in half and scoop it out like ice cream. It has saves me TONS of time.
I guess I need me a cookie scoop! I do make a lot of cookies after all!
This is a great post! I love my cookie scoops, they make things so much easier! Thanks for sharing some other great ways to use them =)
The small scoop is perfect for mini muffin tins, so brownie bites are super easy.
I’m definitely interested in this topic! I use my scoops all the time for cookies and muffin/cupcake batter, and ice cream of course! : ) I am forever trying to remember what my capacity is because I have odd sizes like 16 and 50 and I can never remember the “rule”. I think I need your middle size badly. Time to shop. ; )
Thanks for reminding me Monica (and Bill, too) – the numbers actually correlate to the number of scoops per quart. So a size #20 scoop means you’ll get 20 scoops per quart.
I love your Let’s Talk posts! I own 4 scoops in different sizes and use them every day. I always use them for cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and meatballs!
I love my two medium cookie scoops (a size 40 and a size 50). Now I want to buy small and large scoops too!
Hi Mel! Great post! My oldest son does not like cake, so for his birthday he always requests ice cream sundaes. For his party, I pre-scooped vanilla ice cream into half-pint mason jars, screwed on the lids and put them back in the freezer. Then during the party, off come the lids and the kids add their toppings and dig in. The medium scoop is perfect to scooping ice cream into the mason jars. 3 perfect scoops take up just enough space to make room for toppings and look so cute too! Can’t wait to hear about the new cookie recipe. Making oatmeal butterscotch bars for a party tonight!
I made your peanut blossom cookies last night. I used my small scoop (I too always go medium for cookies). It made about a bazillion cookies. I had bags and bags of kisses to use up (I used the wrappers for Mother’s Day picture frames for my kindergarten class). The small was the perfect size for those cookies! I use the King Arthur’s Flour scoops and they work beautifully. Thanks for doing your due cookie diligence.
I have a non-scoop but cookie related question: how does bake vs. convection bake alter the outcome of cookies? Does the temp or time have to be adjusted?
Hi Meredith – each oven is different (even on bake vs. convection) but generally speaking if I set my oven to convect bake for cookies, I decrease the temp by 25 degrees and also take a minute off the baking time.
I have the small, medium, and large Pampered Chef cookie scoops… and wouldn’t want to part with any of them! 🙂
I use your Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe constantly! It’s my go to and absolute favorite! My question though, is how do you get your cookies perfectly round?? I use a medium cookie scoop and bake them on parchment paper. Any tips for uniformly round cookies? Thanks for the wonderful recipes!!
Hi Becky – usually after I scoop the dough (when it’s still in the scoop), I’ll give the edges of the cookie scoop a swipe with my finger or run it along the edge of the bowl so there isn’t any overhang of cookie dough when it pops out. Also, if the batter is fairly firm and I feel like it, I’ll roll the scooped cookies into smoother balls before baking but I don’t do that 100% of the time.
I only have one size — medium, I believe — but I’ve used it for meatballs and truffles in addition to cookies. I love this series; thanks for the info!
We love cookie scoops as well! My kids love making mashed potato snowmen with all three sizes. I love the pancake batter idea!
I love cookie scoops too! I’ve had a smallish one for years and use it for all the things you listed (though I never thought of the sour cream and guac!). I use the big one for muffins and cupcakes, perfect size so everything comes out evenly…pet peeve of mine to have uneven cupcakes or muffins!
I only have a small one, but I love it. I want a medium one, but for now I just do two small scoops and its almost as quick and easy. I mostly use mine for cookies, meatballs, and muffin batter. Occasionally I’ll find other ramdom uses for it. This is such a fun series. Love it!
Wow! I think I need to go buy bigger scoops. Those giant cookies look amazing!! p.s. So excited for the no bake recipe to come. Those are a blast back to my childhood. Love them!!
I use my small scoop when making cake balls! Its the perfect size and cuts down on the mess when doing it by hand. Just another awesome use!
My cookie scoop’s scraper does not clean out the scoop completely. Do you know if that’s typical? Sometimes I’m reluctant to reach for mine because I feel there’s so much left behind when I drop the dough onto a pan. I usually scrape out the left-behind dough with my finger then glop it on top of the neat little dough ball, but that seems really dumb when I’ve used the scoop to save time and effort in the first place. Should I stop worrying about it? Do your cookie scoops release cleanly? Help!
I think that’s probably typical especially for sticky batters. Mine has a very thin film left on the cookie scoop but not enough to really worry about or really even scrape out.
My cookie scoops won’t even dropthe cookie ball out of the scoop. What am I doing wrong?
What kind of cookie scoops do you have? Does it have a little swiper blade that releases the dough? If not, you’ll probably need to kind of spoon or dig it out.
I got a set of cookie scoops from King Arthur a few years ago. Afterwards I wondered, “Where have these been all my baking life?” I absolutely love them. And they are great for making muffins and cupcakes too! Less muss and fuss for the cookies and speeds up the process of filling those baking sheets. And yes I have four baking sheets so I can get all the cookie prep done pronto and do other things while they bake. Seriously worth having high quality ones around. Cheaper ones don’t last and are hand fatiguing I have heard.
I have the same three cookie scoops. My medium is over 20 years old and I know I have made thousands of cookies with it. I use the small one to make cookies for my ice cream sandwiches and the medium one for the perfect size scoop of ice cream!
Perfect timing. I broke yet another scoop. I will have to try these and hope they last longer then my previous ones! Thanks for the info…love that you think of these things, I really enjoy them!
Oh yes, love me a scoop for all kinds of things:) Awesome cookie demonstration…I need to wow the kids and hubby real soon by making the BIG cookies!
Cookies are my favorite thing to make in the kitchen, and I’ve never owned a cookie scoop. Sounds like it’s time to save my pennies!
I love, love, love your Let’s Talk series and my cookie scoops! Like you, I have several sizes, and use them for so many things. Cookies, muffins, meatballs, perfect scoops of ice cream, etc. I’ve even used the largest size for a fancy presentation of mashed potatoes or rice on extra special meals. I’m not a gadget girl, but these are a “must have” kitchen tool for me. Thank you for this post, Mel!
I am ashamed to admit I do not own a cookie scoop:( but hope to as soon as possible! We eat meatballs a lot and they would work great for that. What great ideas Mel! Ps I made your 7 layer cookies and they were sooooo good- to say the least. Wasn’t sure if my hubby would like them. Before I know it, he came home with an empty ziplock bag that only had 7 layer cookie crumbs in it 🙂 delicious! Love them! Thanks! What brand are your scoops? I shall buy some
Hi Ashlee – they are the OXO brand – I’ve provided a few links in the post above. 🙂
I need cookie scoops 🙂
Thanks ..very informative and Pinned!
I’ve never been much on exact size scooping, but this has inspired me to give it a whirl…I have nothing to lose & great presentation to gain!
I have one of these but to me it’s an ice cream scoop, and that’s about it. I will have to try and use it a bit more.
I’m all for making meatballs with my scoop. I love to use the small scoop to make easy tarts. Using a mini-muffin pan, I scoop the dough into the pan and then use the lid of a water bottle to shape the tart. It is the easiest way to make little tarts–don’t forget to flour the lid. In your cookie recipes, is the baking time listed based off using the medium scoop?
Great question, Keri – yes, most of my cookie recipes are based off the size of the cookie from the medium size scoop.
Does anyone have the recipe for the cookies pictured?
I love my cookie scoop too! I use mine for your granola bites and meatballs and it makes life so much easier. You’ve almost convinced me to get another one 😉
And have you seen those cupcakes with a scoop of frosting on top? Cute and easy peasy!!!!
I have a medium sized cookie scoop that I’ve only used for cookies and melon balls. When my kids were little they used it with their play dough.
Mostly mine are used for cookies and meatballs. Last month I made dozens of meatballs for my daughter’s graduation party, and the scoop made the work a breeze. I have always kept my cookie scoop obsession a secret, so nice to know I’m not alone. At holiday time, I get a real (sick?) pleasure out of seeing trays of uniformly shaped cookies all line up.
I hadn’t thought of the deviled egg thing. Will have to try it. Thanks for all the ideas.
I’m ashamed to admit I don’t have even one cookie scoop. My mom taught me to use two teaspoons to measure out cookies and I’ve always done that. You may have convinced me to ask for a cookie scoop for my birthday 🙂 Have a great weekend, Mel!!
Oooh perfect timing, my handed down million years old cookie scoop has rusted out. I will be purchasing the same ones now, also love your chatty posts 🙂
Cookie scoops are the best. I don’t think I could do cookies without them anymore! I do think I probably need some back up scoops though!
Donna
I love my cookie scoop, but I only have one… hmmm… I think some shopping is in order! 🙂
My one cookie scoop is greatly neglected and only makes an appearance maybe once every couple years. I was not a cookie person until you introduced the 7 layer cookie. I never thought about using it for meatballs, cupcakes, pancakes, etc. Thanks for these ideas.
I love my cookie scoops! I make cake pops and the small cookie scoop is the perfect tool to get uniform cake pops every time.
I love my medium sized cookie scoop so much too! I never thought of using a cookie scoop for deviled eggs. I have to make them for a weekend cookout. That is a brilliant idea! I love your “let’s talk” blogs. I really do feel like we are great friends!