Imagine biting into a perfectly uniform, golden-brown cookie. Every single one looks just like the last, ready for frosting or a sprinkle of sugar. But how do you get that perfect shape every time? It’s not magic; it’s often the right tool! Choosing the best cookie scoop can feel like a treasure hunt, with so many sizes and styles out there. You want cookies that bake evenly and look amazing, but sometimes they end up a little lopsided or too big, burning on the edges.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’re like the ultimate kitchen detectives, testing out all sorts of gadgets to find the very best. We’ve dug into their findings to help you skip the guesswork. In this post, you’ll discover which cookie scoops they’ve crowned champions, what makes them special, and why these picks can make your baking life so much easier.
Get ready to learn how to pick a cookie scoop that will turn your home-baked treats into bakery-worthy masterpieces. We’ll break down what makes a scoop great, so you can start making consistently delicious cookies with confidence. Let’s dive into what America’s Test Kitchen discovered!
Our Top 5 Cookie Scoop America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Desserts Illustrated: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Sweet 600+ Recipes (Cook’s Illustrated) | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Cookie Scoop | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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HOMURE H Cookie Scoop Set | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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JUNADAEL J Cookie Scoop Set | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Ice Cream Scoop | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cookie Scoop America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Desserts Illustrated: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Sweet 600+ Recipes (Cook’s Illustrated)
Rating: 9.0/10
Desserts Illustrated: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Sweet 600+ Recipes from Cook’s Illustrated is a dream come true for anyone who loves baking. This cookbook is packed with over 600 recipes, covering everything from classic cookies to fancy cakes. It’s like having a dessert expert right in your kitchen, guiding you through every step. You’ll find recipes for every occasion, whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro. The book focuses on making delicious desserts that are totally doable for home cooks. It includes helpful tips and tricks to make sure your sweet treats turn out perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Huge collection of over 600 recipes, offering endless dessert possibilities.
- Clear, step-by-step instructions make baking accessible for all skill levels.
- Focuses on reliable, tested recipes that produce fantastic results.
- Covers a wide variety of desserts, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste.
- Beautifully illustrated, making it a joy to flip through and find inspiration.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sheer number of recipes might feel overwhelming for some beginners.
- Some advanced techniques might require additional research for complete novices.
This cookbook truly lives up to its title, offering an immense amount of sweet inspiration. It’s an investment that will bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen for years to come.
2. Cookie Scoop
Rating: 8.6/10
The Cookie Scoop Set of 3 offers versatile tools for all your baking and cooking needs. This set includes small (1 Tbsp), medium (2 Tbsp), and large (3 Tbsp) scoops, all made from high-quality stainless steel. Their ergonomic design and smooth trigger release make scooping effortless, reducing hand fatigue and ensuring perfectly portioned treats every time.
What We Like:
- Three convenient sizes (1 Tbsp, 2 Tbsp, 3 Tbsp) are included, perfect for various recipes.
- Made from durable, high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting use.
- The ergonomic design and trigger release make scooping easy and comfortable.
- A strong scraper ensures even portions, leading to consistent results.
- Dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleanup.
- Versatile for ice cream, cookies, muffins, meatballs, and melon balls.
- Compact design for easy storage and kitchen organization.
- Comes from LifHap, a brand known for reliable kitchen tools and good after-sales support.
- Makes a great gift for anyone who loves baking or ice cream.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very sticky doughs, a little extra pressure might be needed.
- While the trigger is smooth, some users might prefer a different handle style.
This cookie scoop set is an excellent addition to any kitchen, simplifying portioning and making baking and cooking more enjoyable. You’ll love the ease and consistency they bring to your culinary creations.
3. HOMURE H Cookie Scoop Set
Rating: 8.6/10
The HOMURE H Cookie Scoop Set is a fantastic addition to any baker’s kitchen. This set of three scoops, in sizes #20, #40, and #60, makes portioning out dough, batter, and ice cream a breeze. Made from sturdy 18/8 stainless steel, these scoops are built to last and are safe for food contact. The comfortable, non-slip handles ensure a good grip, making baking more enjoyable and less messy.
What We Like:
- The set includes three convenient sizes: 1 Tbsp, 2 Tbsp, and 3 Tbsp. This is perfect for making cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and even scooping ice cream.
- The scoops are made from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel. This material is strong, durable, and won’t rust or corrode.
- The thick rubber handles provide a comfortable and non-slip grip. This makes them easy to hold, even for long baking sessions.
- The spring-loaded trigger system works smoothly. It makes releasing dough or batter effortless and protects your wrist.
- These scoops are incredibly versatile. You can use them for more than just baking; they’re great for portioning meatballs, making melon balls, and more.
- Cleaning is simple. They are stain-resistant and can be washed by hand or put in the dishwasher.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the handles are comfortable, some users might find the color options limited if they prefer a more colorful kitchen.
- The spring mechanism, though efficient, might require a bit of initial getting used to for those accustomed to simpler scoop designs.
Overall, the HOMURE H Cookie Scoop Set offers excellent quality and versatility for all your portioning needs. It’s a practical and reliable tool that will be a go-to in your kitchen.
4. JUNADAEL J Cookie Scoop Set
Rating: 9.1/10
Bake like a pro with the JUNADAEL J Cookie Scoop Set! This set of three scoops is designed to make your baking adventures a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up cookies, cupcakes, muffins, or even ice cream, these scoops deliver consistent portions every time. The colorful, comfortable handles make them a joy to use, even for large batches.
What We Like:
- Three different sizes (#60, #40, #20) let you create cookies of various sizes, from small treats to larger delights.
- Made from sturdy, rust-proof 18/8 stainless steel, these scoops are built to last.
- The soft, non-slip rubber grip handles are comfortable to hold and make scooping easy, reducing hand and wrist strain.
- The efficient trigger release system smoothly dispenses dough, ensuring even baking for perfect results.
- These scoops are super versatile and can be used for more than just cookies – think ice cream, melon balls, meatballs, and more!
- Cleaning is a cinch; they are easy to wash by hand and are also dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the handles are comfortable, some users might prefer a more traditional metal handle for certain tasks.
- The spring mechanism, while efficient, could potentially be a point of wear over very long-term, heavy use.
This JUNADAEL J Cookie Scoop Set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and quality for all your baking and scooping needs. You’ll wonder how you ever baked without them!
5. Ice Cream Scoop
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet your new favorite kitchen assistant: the Ice Cream Scoop, 18/8 Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop! This handy tool is designed to make scooping and portioning a breeze, whether you’re baking delicious cookies, serving up refreshing ice cream, or even making perfect meatballs.
What We Like:
- Versatile Use: This #40 scoop is perfect for more than just cookies and ice cream. It’s great for cupcakes, meatballs, melon balls, and even as a measuring spoon for all your culinary adventures.
- Built to Last: Made from food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, this scoop is strong, safe, and won’t rust or corrode. It’s a reliable tool that will stay with you for years.
- Comfortable and Easy to Use: The soft, non-slip rubber handle feels great in your hand. The trigger release makes scooping and releasing food super easy, taking the pressure off your wrist and hand.
- Saves Time: Effortlessly create perfectly shaped portions of ice cream, fruit, meatballs, cookies, and more. It’s ideal for home bakers, restaurants, and ice cream shops.
- Simple to Clean: You can wash it by hand or pop it in the dishwasher. Cleaning up after baking or serving is a snap!
- Great Gift Idea: This scoop makes a wonderful gift for bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, or any occasion.
What Could Be Improved:
- The diameter is 1.72 inches, which might be a bit small for very large portions.
- While durable, the trigger mechanism could potentially wear out over extensive, heavy use.
This ice cream and cookie scoop is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It simplifies your cooking and baking tasks, making it a valuable and enjoyable tool.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Cookie Scoop
Choosing the right cookie scoop makes baking easier and your cookies look amazing. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many scoops to find the best ones. This guide will help you pick the perfect scoop for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cookie scoop, keep these important features in mind:
- Size: Cookie scoops come in different sizes. They are usually measured in tablespoons. A common size is 1.5 tablespoons, which makes a medium-sized cookie. Smaller scoops make mini cookies, and larger ones make big, impressive cookies. Think about the size of cookies you like to bake most.
- Trigger Mechanism: A good trigger is smooth and easy to use. It should release the dough cleanly without sticking. Some scoops have a simple lever, while others have a more comfortable handle.
- Handle Comfort: You’ll be scooping dough many times, so a comfortable handle is a must. Look for handles that fit well in your hand and don’t feel slippery.
- Durability: A good scoop lasts a long time. It should feel sturdy and not bend or break easily.
Important Materials
The material of your cookie scoop affects how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is the best material for cookie scoops. Stainless steel is strong, rust-proof, and easy to clean. It doesn’t absorb odors or flavors, so your cookies will taste just like they should.
- Plastic: Some handles are made of plastic. Good quality plastic can be comfortable and durable. However, avoid scoops with too much plastic in the scooping part, as it might break or wear down faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a cookie scoop better or worse.
- Smooth Edges: The edge of the scoop should be smooth. This helps it cut through dough cleanly. Sharp or rough edges can make it hard to get a full scoop of dough.
- Non-Stick Coating: Some scoops have a non-stick coating. This helps the dough slide out easily. However, be careful with coated scoops. If the coating scratches or peels, it’s not good. America’s Test Kitchen often prefers scoops without coatings because they last longer.
- Ease of Cleaning: A scoop that is easy to clean saves you time. Stainless steel scoops are usually dishwasher safe. If you have a scoop with a trigger mechanism, make sure it doesn’t have tiny parts where dough can get stuck.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a good cookie scoop makes baking a joy.
- Effortless Scooping: The best scoops glide through cookie dough. They fill up evenly, giving you consistent cookie sizes every time. This means all your cookies bake at the same rate.
- Perfectly Shaped Cookies: When the dough releases cleanly, your cookies will have a nice, round shape. This is important for how they look and how they bake.
- Versatile Use: Cookie scoops aren’t just for cookies! You can use them for:
- Muffins and cupcakes: Scoop batter evenly into liners.
- Ice cream: Get perfect scoops of ice cream every time.
- Mashed potatoes: Serve uniform portions.
- Meatballs: Make sure all your meatballs are the same size for even cooking.
America’s Test Kitchen recommends scoops that are easy to handle, durable, and make perfect, uniform cookies. They often find that simple, well-made stainless steel scoops are the winners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size cookie scoop?
A: The best size depends on the cookies you want to make. A 1.5-tablespoon scoop is good for medium cookies. America’s Test Kitchen often tests this size.
Q: Are stainless steel cookie scoops better than others?
A: Yes, stainless steel is generally better. It’s strong, doesn’t rust, and is easy to clean. It also lasts a long time.
Q: How do I know if a cookie scoop is good quality?
A: A good quality scoop feels sturdy. The trigger mechanism works smoothly. The edges are smooth, and it releases dough cleanly.
Q: Can I use a cookie scoop for things other than cookies?
A: Absolutely! You can use them for muffin batter, ice cream, mashed potatoes, and even meatballs.
Q: What does America’s Test Kitchen look for in a cookie scoop?
A: They look for scoops that make uniform cookies, are comfortable to use, durable, and easy to clean. They often favor simple designs.
Q: How do I clean my cookie scoop?
A: Most stainless steel scoops are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with soap and warm water.
Q: Will a cookie scoop help my cookies bake evenly?
A: Yes, using a scoop helps make all your cookies the same size. This means they will bake more evenly.
Q: What if the dough sticks to my cookie scoop?
A: A good quality scoop should release dough easily. If dough sticks, try chilling your dough a bit more or wiping the scoop with a little oil or cooking spray.
Q: Are there different types of cookie scoops?
A: Yes, there are different sizes. Some have different trigger styles, but the basic cup shape is the same.
Q: Where can I find the cookie scoops America’s Test Kitchen recommends?
A: You can usually find their recommendations on the America’s Test Kitchen website or in their product reviews. They often suggest brands that are widely available.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!