Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable recipes and down-to-earth style, especially when it comes to baking. From hearty meals to delightful desserts, her recipes are designed for home cooks. If you’ve ever been tempted by her famous cookies, like her much-loved “Spreads,” you know that having the right tools is just as important as a great recipe. And when it comes to cookies, the unsung hero of the baking process is the cookie sheet. Let’s explore how to bake cookies just like The Pioneer Woman, starting with the essential role of good cookie sheets.
Spreads Cookies (Pioneer Woman recipe)
The Pioneer Woman’s “Spreads” Cookie Recipe: A Delicious Starting Point
One of Ree Drummond’s signature cookie recipes is “Spreads.” These aren’t your typical drop cookies; they’re spreadable cookie dough baked on a sheet pan and topped with melted chocolate and your favorite candies. Ree shared this recipe on her blog and Food Network show, highlighting its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s a recipe perfect for using your favorite cookie sheets.
Let’s dive into the recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman, to understand how cookie sheets come into play:
Spreads by The Pioneer Woman Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 – 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, Heath English Toffee Bits, crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, M&Ms, caramel sauce, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. While The Pioneer Woman sometimes skips parchment, it simplifies the process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer and paddle attachment, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and blend, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the cookie dough evenly onto your prepared cookie sheet, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Leave a little space from the edges of the pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven (leave the oven on) and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot cookie.
- Return to the oven for just 1 minute to soften the chocolate chips.
- Take the cookie sheet out and use your offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate chips smoothly over the surface.
- Now, get creative! Sprinkle your chosen toppings over the melted chocolate.
- Let the “spread” cool completely before cutting it into squares or desired shapes. Refrigerating for about 15 minutes before cutting can make cleaner slices.
Spreads Cookies (Pioneer Woman recipe)
Choosing the Right Cookie Sheets for Baking Success
Now that we have a delicious recipe in hand, let’s talk about cookie sheets. The type of cookie sheet you use can significantly impact how your cookies bake. Here’s what to consider when choosing cookie sheets, especially for recipes like Pioneer Woman’s Spreads:
Material Matters: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Non-stick
- Aluminum: Aluminum cookie sheets are popular for their excellent heat conductivity. They heat up quickly and evenly, promoting consistent browning. Look for heavy-gauge aluminum sheets as they are less prone to warping.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel cookie sheets are durable and resist warping. However, they don’t conduct heat as evenly as aluminum and can sometimes develop hot spots. Opt for stainless steel sheets with an aluminum core for better heat distribution.
- Non-stick: Non-stick cookie sheets are convenient for easy cookie removal and cleanup. However, they can sometimes brown cookie bottoms too quickly if they are dark in color. Also, non-stick coatings can degrade over time, especially at high temperatures. For “Spreads,” parchment paper is recommended anyway, making non-stick less crucial.
Rimmed vs. Rimless Cookie Sheets: Understanding the Difference
- Rimless Cookie Sheets (Baking Sheets): True cookie sheets are rimless or have a very low rim on one side. This design allows for easy sliding of cookies on and off the sheet, which is beneficial for delicate cookies. They also promote better air circulation around the cookies, leading to more even baking.
- Rimmed Baking Sheets (Sheet Pans): While often used interchangeably with cookie sheets, rimmed baking sheets or sheet pans have higher sides. These are more versatile for roasting vegetables or baking sheet cakes, as the rims prevent spills. For cookies like “Spreads”, a rimmed sheet can work, but ensure the rims aren’t too high, which could restrict air circulation. Quarter sheet pans or half sheet pans are common sizes.
Spreads Cookies (Pioneer Woman recipe) with toppings
Size and Gauge Considerations
- Size: Standard cookie sheet sizes include half-sheet pans (18 x 13 inches) and quarter-sheet pans (9 x 13 inches). For the “Spreads” recipe, a half-sheet or quarter-sheet pan works well, depending on how thick you want your cookie and how many servings you need.
- Gauge: Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker metal, which is generally better for baking. Thicker sheets are more durable, less likely to warp, and distribute heat more evenly.
Tips for Baking Cookies with Your Cookie Sheets
To get the best results with your cookie sheets and recipes like Pioneer Woman’s Spreads, keep these tips in mind:
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper ensures cookies don’t stick, makes cleanup a breeze, and can even help with more even browning.
- Even Dough Spreading: For “Spreads,” ensure you spread the dough evenly across the cookie sheet for consistent baking. An offset spatula is ideal for this.
- Oven Temperature Accuracy: Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer is a worthwhile investment to ensure your oven is actually baking at the set temperature.
- Cooling Time: Allow your “Spreads” to cool completely on the cookie sheet before cutting. This allows them to firm up and makes for cleaner cuts. Refrigerating briefly can further help.
- Sheet Pan Rotation: For very large batches or if your oven has hot spots, rotate your cookie sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Heath English Toffee Bits topping on Spreads Cookies
Bake Like a Pioneer Woman: Equip Yourself for Cookie Success
Baking delicious cookies like The Pioneer Woman’s “Spreads” is a rewarding experience. By understanding the importance of good cookie sheets and choosing the right type for your needs, you’re setting yourself up for baking success. Whether you opt for aluminum for its heat conductivity, stainless steel for durability, or explore other materials, remember that quality cookie sheets are an investment in your baking journey. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, choose your cookie sheets wisely, and get ready to bake some delightful treats that would make Ree Drummond proud!
