What you will need: Cookie Sheet(s), 1 Paper Towel, and soften Unsalted Butter or Vegetable Shortening
Wrap the paper towel around your hand so that the tips of your fingers are enclosed and your thumb holds the folds against the palm of your hand.
Dip the paper towel into the softened butter or into the shortening container.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of butter or shortening onto the tip of your paper towel.
Rub the butter or shortening over the baking surface of the cookie sheet.
You need a very light layer of butter or shortening. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Keep in mind that the cookies themselves have some amount of butter/oil in them and that will serve to prevent sticking, as well.
How much is a light layer of shortening? You will barely be able to see the shortening on the surface of the cookie sheet.
After the baking sheets have been greased, bake cookies as directed.
Do you always grease cookie sheets? The answer is no! Some cookies like, spritz do not require greased cookie sheets.
How will you know whether or not to grease a cookie sheet? Follow the recipe instructions.
Try my recipe for chocolate chip cookies. This recipe requires greased cookie sheets.
What if the recipe does not specify whether or not to grease the cookie sheets? If the recipe does not specify then go ahead and apply a light coating of butter or shortening to the baking sheet.
Are there other ways to bake cookies so that they do not stick to the baking sheets?
Yes, you can use parchment paper instead of shortening when baking cookies. Simply tear off a piece of parchment paper to fit on the baking surface of the baking sheet. Place cookies on the parchment paper and bake as directed.
Keep in mind that greasing a cookie sheet and baking the cookies directly on the surface of the pan will yield a slightly more crisp outer layer than when using parchment paper.
You can also use a silicone baking mat to line your cooking pans.
