Here’s when it’s necessary and when it’s not.

Whether you’re makingcookies, roasting vegetables, or bakingdelicate pastries, parchment paper can be a game-changer.

But does that mean you should always use it to line pans when baking cookies?

Southern Living Monster Cookies dough scooped on a cookie sheet before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paperis a versatile kitchen essential that simplifies baking, cooking, and cleanup.

Its commonly used to line baking sheets or cake pans, preventing baked goods from sticking.

Southern Living Chocolate Macarons removing the baked macarons from the parchment paper

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Parchment paper’s nonstick quality comes from its silicone coating.

Place cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper when rolling to reduce the need for additional flour.

This is particularly helpful for doughs likegingerbreador other types of cut-out cookies.

you could also use parchment to wrap cookie dough logs for easy storage.

Additionally, when baking at high heat (above 425F), parchment paper could scorch or become brittle.

This can help you save money and reduce waste in the process.

But before reusing, inspect its quality.

It should be free of heavy grease stains, major burns, or tears.