Is finding the best cookie scoop the secret to making the perfect cookies? That’s what we’re here to see.
Besides reviewing what I consider to be the best cookie dough scoops, we’ll also cover some of the most useful tips for making successful cookies every time. It’s going to be great if you stick around till the end. Or just skip and read just what interests you.
Contents
Best Cookie Scoop: Top 7 Picks
When we’re searching for the best cookie scoop, we’re looking for hemispherical spoon-like utensils that are mainly used for baking.
However, there are so many more things you can use it for, which is quite surprising given the affordable price. You can read all about how versatile these small tools are later on. For now, let’s review some great models.
1. Fayomir Cookie Scoop Set – Overall Best
Frankly, it was quite difficult deciding which would be my first recommendation for the best cookie scoop. I found a lot of models that are awesome, while having a decent price.
Fayomir also has a pretty good price. That wasn’t a criteria that could help me make a clear distinction between my picks.
What actually convinced me was a review from a user that mentions that she/he has tried many scoops over the years and these are the best they have ever used. Moreover, these scoops make the perfect circle for their chocolate oatmeal cookies. Plus, they’re easy to clean and the mechanism doesn’t stick at all.
I would say that that review sums up perfectly what we’re all looking for. I couldn’t have said it better.
Let me just tell you that this set includes 3 sizes: small (1 tablespoon), medium (2 tablespoons), and large (3 tablespoons).
They’re made entirely of stainless steel and the handles are not rubber coated. But at least the handles are nicely thickened, which also applies to the spoon ball for better durability.
Fayomir claims that their trigger system is an innovative cog-and-ratchet system, the trigger being more efficient and practical. You just squeeze and easily release the dough but that’s true for most of these models here.
The set is dishwasher safe.
2. Sangde Cookie Scoops – Great Set for a Good Price
I really love this set. The price is pretty decent and you get all 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
These are made from food grade 18/8 stainless steel.
I’m pretty sure that they wouldn’t be considered the most beautiful but they’re very easy to use. And the handles are coated for more comfort, which I like.
Most importantly, these work really well for scooping anything, including ice cream.
Moreover, although they’re not as popular as some other choices, no users have yet to complaint that a scoop broke on the first use.
I’ll call that a plus. But I will update this review if the situation changes and there are serious cons raised about this set. For the moment, there aren’t any, which is awesome.
This is actually a set that works with a trigger system. There’s no spring, like with many other models.
The manufacturer assures us that it doesn’t require great hand strength, which is great. But I guess that could be said about all the other awesome products on this list.
These can be used comfortably, whether you’re right-handed or left-handed. That also works for all the other picks that I review.
3. Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop – Cheap Option
If you want a single cookie scoop for the cheapest price, look no further than this Wilton model.
However, I should warn you that there are quite a few complaints from users who said that it breaks quite easily. Overall, the reviews are positive but we must always pay attention to possible cons, too.
Now, that the major negative is out of the way, let’s see what it actually offers.
As I said, you’ll only get one scoop, not a full set.
It’s medium sized, meaning it has a 4 teaspoon capacity. Or, to put it simply, a 2 tablespoon capacity.
It’s made of stainless steel entirely, the handle and all.
Scoop with squeeze handles for evenly proportioned cookies. It’s a spring handle for easy release. Indeed, it’s quite easy to use.
Users are advised to wash it in warm, soapy water. You should dry it thoroughly with a towel immediately after.
4. Homure H Cookie Scoop Set – Very Easy to Use
This is indeed a set that contains all 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
The scoops are made entirely of stainless steel, including the handles, which have no coating. But the handles are thickened for comfort and appearance. They look quite beautiful.
I guess I’m partial to coated handles but there are many reviews from users who declare that these are very easy to use. So, no problem there.
You just have to gently squeeze the handles in order to release the batter or ice cream or meatballs or melon balls, etc.
It’s a popular product but, surprisingly, there are not that many complaints. There were a couple about the spring action being awful, another one on being cheaply made, and one user stating that it broke in less than one month.
With all that I mind, I would say that the Homure H Cookie Scoop Set is a perfect candidate for the best cookie scoop title.
The set is dishwasher safe.
This manufacturer also has another set with trigger system. I love the design because the handle for each size has a different color. They’re both easy to use, it’s just a matter of which set is available for purchase.
5. OXO Good Grips Cookie Scoop – Nice Design
With OXO, we actually have two buying options: we can get a single medium scoop or we can get the set.
The set covers all three sizes: small (1 tablespoon), medium (1.5 tablespoon as opposed to the usual 2 tablespoons), and large (3 tablespoons as opposed to the usual 4 tablespoons). It seems that OXO decided to make some changes.
If we compare the price of the medium from OXO with the price of the medium from Wilton, you’ll discover that there’s quite the difference between them. OXO is more expensive.
I definitely like the overall design. It’s obviously made of stainless steel but the handle is coated. The spring-loaded handle with the black rubber coating looks great.
It’s also advertised as soft grips to absorb pressure. A simple squeeze of the soft grips will immediately release the dough, even if you’re working with sticky batter.
It’s also dishwasher safe.
As it is normal with some of the models that I have picked to review for the best cookie scoop, there are some users complaining that it can break, even on first use.
Overall, the reviews from users are positive but you must be warned about what can go wrong.
6. Progressive Quick Release Cookie Scoop
I admit that I really like this best cookie scoop from Progressive. I honestly don’t have a problem with the quality.
Even so, I must mention that some user reviews mention that it broke on the first use and that it’s quite flimsy, while others praise it for how sturdy it is and how nicely it can hold for anything they do with it.
So, it’s another one of those models where are there are quite a few reviews mixed in. Which is to be expected when a product is so popular.
I still consider it to have an awesome construction. The handles also have some of the thickest coating that I’ve seen. I like that a lot.
So, what do I have a problem with?
Well, it’s with the fact that the 3 sizes are sold separately. The 3 sizes are: 1 tablespoon, 1.5 tablespoon, and 3 tablespoon. Progressive went with the same sizes as OXO.
However, if you want to buy all 3, the total price for the set will be quite expensive, since they’re sold separately.
The medium is the cheapest option, it’s even just a bit cheaper than the Wilton. It’s no wonder that the medium is also the option that received the most reviews.
They are all dishwasher safe.
7. Pampered Chef Scoop – The Most Expensive
All of the above options for the best cookie scoop are pretty nicely priced. I would call them affordable or maybe even cheap. Especially when we compare them with what Pampered Chef has to offer.
Do I recommend their options as the best cookie dough scoops?
No, because there are many wonderful choices for which you don’t have to pay something like $100 for 3 scoops. You can buy a Hamilton Beach stand mixer for that price. It’s pretty absurd.
You can actually get a slightly lower price if you buy them all separately instead of the whole set. Do that if you really want to get these from Pampered Chef.
I just wanted to review them in case there are people who are really into buying very expensive kitchen tools.
Does it look any different than the Fayomir or the Homure H Cookie Scoop Set? It doesn’t, I personally can’t say that they that different.
The whole construction is stainless steel, no coating on the handles.
There are still cons for each size. These are not absolutely perfect, either. I definitely recommend checking out the above reviews first.
What Is so Great about Cookie Scoops?
If you’re just baking twice a year you might not be as excited about how wonderful a cookie scoop can be. But those who bake often and they’re in the habit of baking batch after batch, will be able to appreciate it fully.
What makes a cookie scoop so amazing is the fact that there is a metal blade inside that sweeps the inside of the scoop when the handle is squeezed. That’s why it works so fast and with so little mess being made.
You’ll be able to scoop a tray in a little over a minute. The fact that things can be done so fast is one of their most appealing feature. It’s definitely worth getting the best cookie scoop just for that alone.
Moreover, it truly is amazing to be able to make batch after batch of cookies that have absolutely the same size, whether you’re baking them in an oven or you’re making a no-bake recipe.
Just let me tell you one more thing: it’s the perfect tool for scooping ice cream. It will be even more delicious if that’s homemade ice cream.
What a Cookie Scoop Is Used For
we use it for shaping the dough into balls and dropping them onto the baking sheet- since they all have the same size, you’re guaranteed an even bake
- you can drop a tray of cookies in a minute or so
- the portioning of food for baking doesn’t apply only to cookie dough, you can also use it for baking uniform muffins and cupcakes
- if you want to make drop biscuits
- you don’t have to roll out the dough and cut it with a cutter anymore
- some of the best recipes where this tool is extremely helpful are those for: oatmeal cookies, snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies
- really helpful for easily making balls of no-bake cookies that just need to be refrigerated for a bit and then they’re ready to be devoured
- use it to scoop icing into pastry bags
- if you’re ready to leave the world of sweets behind, you can even use a cookie scoop for making meatballs
- or for making protein power balls
- scoop fillings for ravioli, stuffed peppers, deviled eggs, enchiladas
How to Use a Scoop for Cookies
There’s really nothing complicated about it, that’s just the whole point.
Prepare your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Or wax paper if you’re making no-bake recipes.
Method 1
You hold the bowl with one hand and hold the cookie scoop in your dominant hand.
Dig the mouth of the scoop into the batter until it’s nicely filled. Drag the scoop over the wall of the bowl to flatten the batter inside, while steadily applying pressure with the hand holding the bowl. You don’t want all the batter to end up on the floor.
Method 2
If you don’t want to drag the scoop over the wall of the bowl, you can flatten the dough with your hand and then remove the excess with your fingers.
This is more messy so, wear gloves if you’re doing it like this. I guess it’s slightly faster than pressing and dragging on the side of the bowl.
Release the dough
Now, it’s time to release the small ball of dough onto your baking sheet by simply pressing the handles or the trigger, it depends what kind of system you ended up with.
How to Choose the Best Cookie Scoop
You don’t actually need to spend a lot of time shopping for the best cookie scoop. For choosing the best cookie dough scoop, you need to keep these features in mind. Let’s see which these are.
Size
The first thing we must be aware of is that there are 3 sizes:
- small or a 2-teaspoon (1 tablespoon)
- medium or a 2-tablespoon
- large or a 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons)
Small are used to make 2-inch cookies, medium for 3-inch and large for making cookies with a 4-inch diameter.
Some sets will include all 3 sizes. They might be worth the price because you never know what you might need in the future.
You can go only for the small size if you’re just using it for scooping dough or mix. It will hold a tablespoon.
If you want to use it for muffins and cupcakes, go with the large size, the 1/4 cup one.
Another way to identify the sizes is by numbers. The number indicates how many scoops are needed until making a quart. If one is named #16 then it means that you will have to scoop 16 times until you make a quart.
Because of that, the larger the number, the smaller the scoop. That can be a bit confusing. It’s much easier to remember them by how I categorized them above.
Material
The best cookie scoop should be made of stainless steel, to be long lasting.
Design
The design should be comfortable, even if you have to make hundreds of cookies, your hand shouldn’t get tired nor should the muscles get cramps.
In this regard, the handle plays a big responsibility, it’s the part responsible for the scooping action so, you should use one that it’s easy to grip.
There are different materials for the handle: stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, ceramic. Those with a rubber coating can be considered more comfortable.
There are two types of handles:
- single-block with a trigger at the neck – trigger system
- double-block with a spring release mechanism built-in – some might find this type to be easier to use because you just have to just squeeze the handles a tiny bit to release the dough but I would say that the same goes for the trigger system
Spring-loaded handles are very common.
Price
The price is quite affordable for the whole range so, this is not a criteria that would contribute much to your choice.
There are some awesome models under $10, although the majority are priced between $10 and $20. Pampered Chef is totally the exception.
Ease of cleaning
The best way is to wash it by hand and dry it with a clean towel immediately after washing to prevent rust. Most models that are dishwasher-safe. You can check that aspect but I prefer washing them by hand.
These spoon-like utensils are used for scooping out sticky viscous dough. That might make you wonder if the cleaning will be a pain that you must take care of.
Well, if you’re getting the ones made from stainless steel, cleaning will be easy and it can be done by hand. But you also have possibility of throwing it in the dishwasher.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Cookie Scoop?
Maybe you decided that getting the best cookie scoop isn’t your top priority right now. Obviously, in that case, you must know what you can use if you don’t have a cookie scoop.
Use a spoon
This is actually the old-fashioned way that many of our mothers, grandmothers or even fathers in rare instances remember using. Until they all discovered that there is a tool that makes everything better and faster.
Since this kitchen tool for desserts resembles a spoon, the first obvious answer is that you can simply use a spoon. Or you can use a tablespoon measuring spoon.
You can simply grab spoonfuls of cookie mix and drop them onto wax paper if they’re no-bake or on parchment paper if they need to go in the oven.
Are there any disadvantages to using a spoon?
First of all, the scoops won’t have the same uniformity in size.
As we talked about above, a cookie scoop can help you make perfect cookies, the whole batch having the same size and beautiful shape. With a spoon, some will definitely be uneven or have a more weird shape.
Secondly, it will take you a bit longer to fill a tray with a spoon.
Thirdly, you’ll get your fingers dirty from having to scrap the dough of the spoon. It’s best to use gloves.
Use a tablespoon measuring spoon
You can use a tablespoon measuring spoon, it’s a really nice replacement. At least that nice round shape will be easily achieved. And the uniformity aspect will also be covered.
Tips for Making Perfect Cookies
Most of these tips have nothing to do with searching for the best cookie scoop. That’s because you actually have to make the mix/dough before being able to scoop it.
Some tips are glaringly evident:
- read the recipe carefully before doing anything
- measure perfectly
- preheat the oven 10-15 minutes before baking
- refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes if it seems that it doesn’t hold together
- segment precisely with the help our your cookie dough scoop or with the help of a ruler for biscotti or bar-molded treats
- give them some cool-down time
- store your cookies properly in tins or impermeable holders – you can also add wax paper between layers
Choose the right baking sheet
Just as we talked about choosing he best cookie scoop so you should consider investing in a heavy-gauge aluminized steel baking sheets. They promote even heating and browning and the short walls keep the pans from warping even after many years of use.
Don’t get a flimsy one, since baking sheets/pans are pretty affordable.
Chicago Metallic True Jelly Roll Pan is one of the cheapest best choice to make.
Nordic Ware and USA Pan Bakeware are two of the most famous manufacturers.
Lining up the baking sheets
Silicone baking mats are considered a superior substitute of parchment paper. Mats are expensive but the major advantage is that you don’t have to throw it away for many years to comes.
Moreover, silicone baking mats promote more even heating and browning. They’re excellent for baking thin, delicate wafers.
For decorating cookies
If you want to decorate your cookies with all kinds of interesting designs, I recommend using a parchment pastry cone (cornet). You can buy them or you can learn to make your own.
The interesting thing about them, as compared to reusable pastry bags, is that the parchment pastry cones are biodegradable.
You will still need a few reusable pastry bags and tips, especially if you’re into giving icing certain textures.
Now that you have all these tips and you already know which is the best cookie scoop for you, there’s nothing more you need, no more excuses for avoiding making batch after batch for you or your family.
