Knead some gifts? 10 must have gifts for bakers

Baking is more than making all types of baked goods for many baking enthusiasts; it's a creative hobby requiring certain tools and equipment to get the job done. That's why I'm here to help you out! I've compiled a list of 10 must-have baking gifts for the everyday baker, perfect for those who are passionate about baking. Check out our collection to find the perfect gift.

Trust me, these kitchen tools make great gifts for bakers and won't just make their baking experience even more awesome, but also show how much you appreciate those yummy treats they whip up.

Cookie Scoops

Gifting a set of cookie scoops is always appreciated. They are handy tools for any baker, ensuring perfectly portioned cookies every time. They can effortlessly fill muffin liners with batter, shape meatballs with ease and much more. You can even use cookie scoops to measure ingredients accurately.

Also for cookie baking, I find that in my house, making large batches of stuff can be a dangerous business (see: toddlers gorging themselves on cookies in place of dinner). In attempt to always have some cookies in the freezer for easy baking, I have bought myself some souper cubes cookie trays, and they've been a lifesaver. I now own an entire line of souper cubes molds for freezing stews, soups and iced herbs for easy reheating and portion control!

High-quality baking sheets

Baking sheets are a kitchen staple that proves to be a versatile piece of equipment. Look for heavy-duty rimmed sheets that won't warp under high heat and will ensure there are no more unevenly cooked treats. I recommend having baking sheets in various sizes to tackle different recipes, whether a small batch of cookies, a big sheet cake or even sheet-pan dinners. The right-sized sheet on hand makes life so much easier.

Baking pans

Bakers need many types of pans, depending on what they are baking. A fancy, foolproof bundt pan is always an appreciated gift, but every baker needs the basic pans for cakes, pies, muffins and bread. These are the pans that I keep in my cupboards:

Mixers

A stand mixer is a game-changer for any baker; it can do the work a handheld mixer can't. My professional-style KitchenAid mixer is a powerhouse that makes whipping, kneading and mixing ingredients a breeze, saving time and effort.

But, for small tasks, a small electric hand mixer will come in handy. I love my little MVP hand mixer! It's so much better than a whisk.

Digital kitchen scale

Bakers know that using a kitchen scale allows for more accurate measurements of ingredients, and many recipes are written in pounds, ounces, and grams for this very reason. I like how easy this digital scale is to use; you can easily zero out the weights, pull out the display when working with large bowls, and it can weigh up to 11 pounds.

Silicone baking mats

Silicone baking mats are a baker's best friend. They provide a non-stick surface that eliminates the need for parchment paper and ensures even baking. Plus, they're eco-friendly and reusable, making them a sustainable choice. I use these mats for baking cookies and pastries and set pies on them to catch drips for an easy clean-up. You can even cut them to fit your various-sized baking sheets.

Quality baking tools

Every baker needs high-quality baking tools to ensure the success of their recipes. I personally rely on these tools for most of my baking recipes and often find that I have duplicates of some items because I use them so frequently.

• Silicone spatulas stand up to high heat and are used for stirring, mixing and scraping.
• A bench scraper comes in handy for moving food, cutting cookie bars and helping to ice cakes smooth.
• Pastry brushes are a baker's friend from brushing on an egg wash to helping grease an intricate bundt pan.
• A set of measuring spoons and measuring cups is necessary for almost all recipes to get the correct measurement of ingredients. 

Pastry bags and piping tips

Piping bags are not just for cake decorators. They are useful to add an extra flourish to many baked goods, like a swirl of whipped cream topping on pastries for an elegant touch or to fill pasta shells, deviled eggs or pipe macaroons. A piping bag and star tips are all a baker needs.

Rolling pin

A sturdy rolling pin is essential for rolling out dough for pies, cookies and pastries. There are different types, but I prefer this French rolling pin with tapered ends, making it easy to grip and roll the dough. Your other option is a straight rolling pin with handles.

Oven thermometer

An oven thermometer is a small, affordable gift every baker can use to help determine the accuracy of the oven temperature. Just because the temperature on the oven says 350 F, that doesn't mean that is the actual temperature inside. I keep this thermometer in the oven for a reliable way to monitor and adjust the temperature.

Essential kitchen tools are perfect for the cook, but if you have a friend or family member who is totally into baking, finding the ideal gifts for bakers that complements their baking passion can be a thoughtful gesture. Whether the baker is a seasoned pro or just starting their baking journey, these gifts will help them create even more delicious treats and make their time in the kitchen all the more enjoyable. So, knead no more — choose the perfect gift and watch their culinary creativity flourish with all kinds of bakery deliciousness.

Jere Cassidy is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to share easy recipes for all home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.