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)
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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!*
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.