Ree Drummond once said, "I never met a homemade cookie I didn't like whether cakey or crispy or chewy." You're probably nodding your head in agreement, right? There's just something about a freshly baked cookie that can make your day brighter in an instant.
And while The Pioneer Woman is known for many of the best comfort foods around (hello, cinnamon rolls!), she has a particular love for baking cookies, especially around the holidays. "I happen to love making Christmas cookies myself. I set aside one day and bake a few different kinds so the cookie platters look more fun."
You can imagine that over the years, she's developed quite a few tips for troubleshooting cookies. But there's one particular trick that may surprise you! Her go-to tool for baking cookies isn't a cookie scoop or a silicone baking mat although she loves both of them. Nope. Her favorite kitchen tool for baking cookies is a fish spatula.
Wait, huh? A fish spatula!? Yup! You know that treacherous moment when you have to remove cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack while they're still hot? Have you ever completely ruined the shape because they're a little stuck or too soft? Try a fish spatula next time. "The edge is so thin, you can slide it under cookies like no one's business," she explains. Ah ha!
A fish spatula is longer than a regular spatula, and typically a lot thinner and more flexible. It is also angled on one side, making it so much easier to slide under delicate foods like flaky fish (hence the name). But of course, just because it was designed for fish doesn't mean it is a unitasker. In fact, Ree argues: "It should be advertised as an all-purpose spatula."
You can probably think of plenty of other delicate or sticky situations in the kitchen that a fish spatula could handle. Let's name a few, shall we? Flipping pancakes, frying eggs, loosening the edges of cake that's stuck—all of these are ideal for a fish spatula. And of course, thanks to Ree, you also know to use it while baking cookies!
Now that you're in on her secret, the only problem will be which one of Ree's favorite cookie recipes to bake first. But really, is that such a terrible problem to have? Didn't think so. Well, what are you waiting for? Go forth and bake!
More of Ree Drummond's Baking Essentials
The Pioneer Woman Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
The Pioneer Woman Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
