Is It Possible to Substitute Parchment Paper with Paper Towels When Baking Cookies?
When it comes to baking cookies, using the right baking sheet lining can make a significant difference in the outcome of your treats. Specifically, parchment paper is a go-to choice for many bakers, but sometimes the question arises: can we substitute parchment paper with paper towels when baking cookies? Let's delve into why you should avoid it and why parchment paper is your best bet.
The Dangers of Using Paper Towels
Simply put, no. Especially when considering the intense heat of an oven, paper towels are not a safe or practical replacement for parchment paper.
"Well put NO NO NO FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DONT. Paper towels are not fire safety treated or rated for the heat of an oven. Do not cook the bleach out of those papertowels into your breathing air. Just scrape the cookies off or grease the pan good."
Heat Resistance and Safety
Paper towels ignite at a much lower temperature (415 F) compared to parchment paper, which has a significantly higher ignition point. Using paper towels in an oven can lead to potentially dangerous situations, such as smoke and possible fires.
"Towels will ignite at 415 F, parchment has a significantly higher ignition point. Paper towels will also absorb any fats such as butter or coconut oil to your cookies’ detriment and also to their danger in that they might ignite. Parchment paper is far and away your better option."
Texture, Absorbency, and Baking Performance
The texture and absorbency of parchment paper and paper towels are vastly different, which can impact the quality and texture of your baked goods.
Parchment paper is specifically designed for baking and offers a non-stick surface that promotes even baking. It also helps prevent the bottoms of cookies from over-browning while ensuring that the centers are fully cooked. Additionally, parchment paper is non-reactive and does not absorb any food flavors, maintaining the purity of your ingredients.
"Parchment paper and paper towels are completely different in texture and absorbency. The surface of the two isn’t the same at all. I don’t know if paper towels would even last in a hot oven without burning up. Even if they didn’t burn up I think it’s very possible the paper towels would get stuck to the bottoms of the cookies due to the moisture that’s involved."
In contrast, paper towels may not withstand the heat of the oven, and even if they do, they can become overly saturated with moisture, leading to burnt bottoms and a mess.
Expert Recommendations
According to expert advice, using parchment paper is superior to paper towels when baking cookies. You can also line a cake pan with parchment paper or even use waxed paper, but you should never use paper towels.
"Cookies won’t stick to parchment paper but they will stick to paper towels and turn into a real mess!"
Conclusion
To sum up, when baking cookies, parchment paper is the reliable and safe choice. It ensures even baking, prevents stickiness, and enhances the overall quality of your cookies. Investing in parchment paper is a worthwhile endeavor for any serious baker looking to achieve consistent results and avoid potential hazards in the kitchen.