Cookie scoop sizes can be perplexing. Small, medium, large? What does that mean when you come across it in a recipe? If a recipe calls for a tablespoon of dough and you want to use a cookie scoop, which should you use? If you arrived at this post looking for a Cookie Scoop Size Chart, you are in the right place because I have got everything cookie scoop ON LOCK.
Why Use A Cookie Scoop?
Do you absolutely need a cookie scoop to make cookies? No you do not sir. Plenty of people live happy, fulfilling lives while haphazardly plopping uneven “teaspoons” full of dough willy nilly all over their cookie sheets. But if you want cookies that bake up evenly and are uniform in size, you totally need a cookie scoop. A good quality cookie scoop ensures more consistent results and is much, much faster than the spoonful method. As you’re about to find out, I take uniformity in cookies VERY SERIOUSLY. But even if you don’t obsess over every millimeter difference in a cookie, you still value your time, right?
Size Matters
So now that you agree that you need a cookie scoop (right?), you need to decide which cookie scoop sizes you need. That’s where it can get a bit confusing. Recipes from back in the day say “drop a teaspoon full of dough” but that doesn’t literally mean one teaspoon. That means get a teaspoon out of your drawer and use that. Not the soup spoon, the teaspoon. So exactly how much does your recipe want you to use? Here’s my take: When it says “teaspoon”, you want a scant 2 teaspoons. When it says “tablespoon”, you want about 4 teaspoons. But that still doesn’t tell you which scoop to buy, especially when they’re usually labeled: small, medium, large, jumbo, etc. You need more information!
This year, right in the middle of baking thousands of holiday cookies, my beloved cookie scoop broke. I had been using it for five straight years and it had probably scooped tens of thousands of cookies. No joke. In my naivety I thought, “I’ll just go get another one!” So I headed over to Sur La Table and started rifling through their cookie scoops. I picked the “medium” one and took it home. When I held it up to my first one, it didn’t match. Too small. That’s when I noticed a little number stamped into the metal of both scoops. Mine said 50, the smaller scoop said 70. An even smaller scoop said 100.
After googling around and searching on Amazon, I deduced that the 50 was a size of scoop, or “disher”, as the scoops with a spring handle release are called. But it doesn’t stand for 50mm or 50ml, it’s a gauge. A #50 means that, using this scoop, you will get 50 scoops out of a quart of dough. A #70 will give you 70 scoops from a quart, which is why it was smaller. THE HIGHER THE NUMBER, THE SMALLER THE SCOOP. I called Sur La Table back and had them check the numbers on their scoops. They call them “large, medium, and small” but they’re really #30, #40, and #70. No #50.
Not All Cookie Scoops Are Created Equal
I finally found a #50 scoop on Amazon, two actually, and because I was in a jam I ordered them both. One-day shipping. Unfortunately, when they arrived the next day both scoops broke the first time I tried to use them. They were just too cheap and flimsy. I may or may not have had my first true existential baking crisis in that moment. I mean, without a functioning cookie scoop that’s exactly the right size, what is life about? Who am I? Seriously, I actually cried.
I had to figure out how to make all my cookies the same size without a scoop. Maybe that seems silly to be so particular, but part of making a professional-looking product is uniformity. My #50 cookies measure 2 5/8 inches and that’s exactly how I like them. Any bigger or smaller and not only will the number of cookies per batch vary, but the baking times will be off too. Honestly, if I make a cookie that is more than a millimeter or two different than the others, I usually toss it in our cookie jar rather than include it in my cookie boxes.
Now I moved on to the penalty phase. The first stop was measuring the volume of my original scoop. By pouring water into the scoop a teaspoonful at a time I determined that it was about 4 teaspoons, or 1.3 tablespoons. Then I measured out 1.3 tablespoons of dough and measured it on my digital scale. 23 grams. That night I made hundreds of cookie balls, weighing each one to make sure it was exactly 23 grams. It worked but it was time-consuming and made me feel like a crazy person.
So, I got back online and started researching quality cookie scoops that come in a range of sizes. Finally, I found Zeroll. Zeroll makes a line of EZ Dishers (scoops) that come in 13 sizes, are easy to clean and use, and basically indestructible. They’re also color-coded so you can easily find the size you’re looking for. I’ve been using Zeroll scoops since then and I am so pleased. #50 scoop problem solved! You can buy the perfect cookie scoop here.
Cookie Scoop Size Chart: Nerdcore Edition
BUT. Yesterday I was making these Decadent Chocolate Banana Cupcakes and when it came time to put the batter in the cupcake papers my usual method came up short. As I explain here, I usually use a syringe to draw up cupcake batter because I like the precision it gives me. I use 40ml of batter in every cupcake and they all come out perfectly even. But the lumps in my banana cupcake batter were clogging the syringe. I knew that 40ml was about 2.66 tablespoons (thanks Google!) but I wanted to know how that might translate into a standard size cookie scoop. That’s when things got algebraic. By using this little equation below I was able to plug in the number of tablespoons to calculate the gauge of cookie scoop needed. FYI, 64 is the number of tablespoons in a quart, the volume the scoop gauge is based on.
If you know the gauge # of your scoop, you can calculate how many tablespoons. If you know how many tablespoons, you can calculate the gauge # of scoop you need! So, 64 ÷ scoop# = tbsp OR 64 ÷ tbsp = scoop#. To solve for scoop# I just divided 64 by 2.66 (tbsp.) and got 24.06. In other words, a #24 scoop! And of course it works the other way too. If you want to know how many tablespoons a scoop holds, you just divide 64 by the scoop# and voila! So a #16 scoop holds 4 tablespoons (that’s 1/4 cup for those of you playing along at home).
Now here’s where it gets nerdy. Not only do I want to know the gauge and the number of tablespoons, I also want to know how many fluid ounces and milliliters each scoop will yield. Plus I’d like to know what the finished cookie size will be for each scoop #. For that, I needed a chart. A real fancy Cookie Scoop Size Chart. With this chart you can pick a scoop size for any volume. You can adjust cookie sizes to increase or decrease the number of cookies in a batch. No scoop? No problem. Use the grams column on the chart and weigh each blob. It’s actually faster than measuring with a tablespoon. The weights (and sizes) are based on an average cookie dough and won’t work for things like batter or meringue, which are less dense.
The Right Scoop For The Right Job
These are my most used scoops:
- For truffles: Zeroll 100
- For drop cookies: Zeroll 50
- For meatballs: Zeroll 40
- For larger cookies: Zeroll 30
- For cupcakes: Zeroll 24
For muffins: Zeroll 16
For muffins: 
Well there you have it! Everything you wanted to know AND MORE about cookie scoop sizes. Now I’m off to edit all my cookie recipes to include an accurate scoop size. Next stop, world cookie perfection domination!
You are a life saver! Exactly the information I needed today 🙂
Yay!
What brand portion scoop do you recommend? Thanks in advance.
Hi Kelly! I love Zeroll brand scoops. They come in lots of sizes and are indestructible. There’s a link in the post to a #50 Zeroll scoop ❤️
Thank you! I looked for a link because I assumed there would be one, but apparently I missed it! Stay healthy!
Hello again Jane!
Are the Zeroll brand scoops labeled so you know which # is which? I recently bought 2 nice ones from Winco, but they’re color-coded not labeled, grr. I can of course make a work-around, but on-item labeling would be dreamy! Thanks!
I found the number of the scoop 0n the bowl wipe blade, such as 24, 30.
FINALLY! Someone that is also a perfectionist! This information is priceless! THANK YOU!!!
We are a special breed ❤️
Thank you so much for this post and the charts! I always thought I was a bit neurotic for caring about the size differences in my scoops but it DOES make a difference for my cookies and cupcakes!
Yay! You are not alone, it DOES make such a big difference ❤️
Thank you so much! Today, I came across my first recipe that mentioned a “medium cooking scoop”. What is that, I said to myself! I called a local store and they had some, but I wanted more info, so Googled around, and found you. Bless your heart!
I’m delighted my post helped you Ann! Without precision, is it even baking?!?
Thank you so much for the details. This is exactly what I was looking for! I wanted a visual of the cookies sizes with the different scoopers and you nailed it!
Hi Mariam! So glad this info helped you ❤️ Size does matter!
Would you use the #50 scoop for chocolate chip cookies and all cookies. I have never used a scoop before, use the old spoon method.
Thanks
I like my cookies on the smaller side so I can eat 5 instead of just one lol. So I generally use a #50. A #40 is also a good choice if you like your cookies a tad bigger or with chocolate chip cookies, if your recipe doesn’t spread much. Trial and error is the best way but if I could only have one cookie scoop, I’d get the #50. Happy baking!
correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the #40 or #50 would give you the tiny sizes from Mrs. Fields?
I used to work at a bakery and we used the #12! the cookies were huge and beautiful. But I wouldn’t use that size for baking at home! I’ll be baking 3 cookies per sheet!
Hi Mariam! I’m not sure about the Mrs. Field’s sizes (field trip!) but yes, #40 and #50 will give you “regular” sized cookies. As you can see in the pic above they’ll be 2.5-2.75”. Bigger than a Chips Ahoy but not oversized. Why is language around cookie sizes so imprecise? We need to follow the example of the Inuits with their many words for snow, and get some better words for cookies!
What would you advise for a 6″ cookie; a disher (what size?)
or # of ounces, or fraction of a cup?
Thank you.
I did some math on this because I’ve never made a cookie that big. This math works if the thickness of the cookie is constant. If nothing else it’ll give you a starting point. I would recommend shaping a cookie that large into a disk for baking as opposed to a ball. SO…the area of a 2.5” cookie is 4.99 sq.inches. The area of a 6” cookie is 28.7 sq.inches. That’s about 6 times the area of a 2.5” cookie (my standard #50). #50 is 1.28 TBSP. Times 6 is about 8 TBSP. Which is 1/2 cup ❤️ I’d start with 1/2 cup of dough, shape it into a disk, bake, then measure. Let me know what you find out
What are the diameters of those scoops? I am trying to figure out what # a 4cm diameter scoop is.
I did some math for you and think I have an answer 🙂 I believe a 4cm scoop will be a #60.
hi! you are wonderful. this is exactly what i needed when figuring out what scoop size I need! especially for my more persnickety cookies!! yay for uniformity!! what size do you normally use for cupcakes? the bakery i used to work out always used the “yellow” scoop but i never thought to look at the number!!
thank you so much!
I thought you’d never ask! Lol. I use a #24 for cupcakes when I’m using a scoop. If you want to get real crazy with it, you can do what I do and buy a 60 ml leuer lock syringe of of Amazon and draw up exactly 40 mls of batter. And then squeeze it into the baking cup. Perfect every time! I admire the courage of baking persnickety cookies. Do you have a recipe to share?
Oh my gosh. This is exactly what I needed without even looking for it. I ended up here while reading about malted barley flour in oatmeal cookies.
I wanted you to know that I always use a digital scale to weigh my cookie dough. I don’t make large batches, though, so it’s not as big a deal.
Thank you for this! Good work. I’ve been wondering if there was a scoop for 2T which is what many cookie recipes call for. The scoops I bought as a set are #60, #40, and #20 which are labeled by the manufacturer as holding 2 teaspoons, 1.5 Tablespoons, and 3 Tablespoons respectively. From your research, it appears that the #30 would be perfect, so I would no longer have to make adjustments by imprecisely overfilling my #40 scoop. Very helpful!
So glad I could help!
What size scoop would be equivalent to walnut?
Hi Diana! That’s a bit of a guessing game but I think my trusty #50 is what I would pick. It’s basically a heaping tablespoon. Hope that helps!
Great information! Thank you for the time you spent pulling this info together. It’s is an invaluable tool for all.
Yay! So happy to spread the good word about cookie scoops 🙂
Thanks for doing all the work and making my life easier shaping cookies.
Hi Gail, so happy to help! Thank YOU for hearing my voice in the wilderness
Thank you so much!!! I am trying cookie scoops this year and the information you have provided is exactly what I need. My sister laughs at me when I don’t use the cookies that are not uniform…and enjoys eating my castaways. I appreciate your attention to detail.
That’s awesome. I feel like this post is helping me find my tribe, lol.
I can’t believe how awesome this is and that I actually know you. I was googling “cookie scoops” and your guide popped up! Leave it to Jane to get this stuff down to a science. Thanks for doing the hard work on behalf of the rest of us! xoxo
Yay! The right data is so important when you’re getting creative ❤️
Just wanted to say THANK YOU ! Wanted to know what an ounce was in a measure and here it is.
I’m so glad you found what you were looking for Phyllis, another feather in my cap!
As school cook, I made thousands of cookies for the kids. we always used the purple scoop.. The scoops always were colored and numbered. We did not want the kids complaining the they always got the smallest cookie..
You do not want to mess around with school cookies. Cookie Uniformity Forever!
Ugh. Me find recipe that say teaspoon but me #50 disher is big like Brontosaurus. Is #100 disher small enough for nilla wafer? Me think so but me only caveman and Neanderthal brain too small to be sure.
Here’s the recipe I’m going to use: https://www.wellfloured.com/homemade-vanilla-wafers/
Hi Kurtiss,
How admirable that despite your limited brain capacity you’re so committed to proper portioning. A #100 will yield about 2 teaspoons but depending on how much the dough spreads it might work just fine.
A final note: A cave-dwelling Neanderthal such as yourself might want to ease yourself into our modern diet (not sure how long it’s been since they unthawed you). Perhaps you’d like to start with this paleo version instead: https://www.realfoodwithjessica.com/2016/08/28/paleo-nilla-wafers/
Mmm, that look tasty but dough already chilling in leftover ice block. Soon me putting in fire oven. Fire good. Me try paleo next time. If they make smaller disher me no find at restaurant supply store. Maybe me look online next time I make cookie if it no come out right. Me let you know. Thank you for your reply and time and effort creating chart and cookie pictograph. Mmm, cookie.
Yup. Scoop too big but cookie still yummy like little Longisquama lizard.
My wife is asking for a #80 and a #90 scoop for Christmas this year… do they exist? I can’t seem to find them anywhere. Thanks!
I think there is a gap between 70 and 100, not sure why! Kudos to your wife for wanting something that literally doesn’t exist. That happens to me all the time!
this. is. amazing!!!
thank you for being just my kind of nerd! : )
Cookie nerds rule, cookie ploppers drool.
Wow. You are truly a baker. I love cooking and I do some baking, but I don’t think I’ve every put out uniform cookies in my life! However, I found the level of detail amazing!
Thanks Jennifer! You are not alone I’m thinking I’m a bit unhinged about cookie scoops. Once I get going on the subject, I can’t stop!
Thank you so much for this! Bookmarked, because I’ve done the measuring water trick more than once. Any chance you’ve seen smaller than #100? Google autocompleted some tantalizing numbers: 120 and 210 and the word Singapore.
I have not seen anything smaller than #100. I’ve also been unable to find an #80 or #90. Go figure!
I have a 110 scoop, which is 1″ diameter and scoops about 1/4 oz. I googled it and found Norpro makes them. I”m trying to find something that scoops 3/8 oz – between my 110 and a 70 (.5 oz). Haven’t found anything. It’s the perfect size for 1 bite cookies, like snowballs, so I’m weighing clumps of dough. Doesn’t really take that long, but why is there a gap in this size range. This is melon ball territory so you would think they would exist. I hate prying melon balls out when suction holds them into the baller – a scoop would be nice.
You are preaching to the choir lol. I would love if someone would make a #80 and #90 scoop. From our lips to Zerrol’s ears!
Finally! The precise information I have been searching for! Thank you so much for going into so much detail. Plus, the additional info in some of the comments, like what to use for making cupcakes!! Brilliant! Thank you!!
So glad you found the info you were searching for Diane! I just made cupcakes yesterday with my trusty #24. I’m just about to order a #12 to try out Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar cookies. I don’t usually make them that big but they look so outrageous I’m going to give it a shot ❤️ What are you making?
I use my #12′ for big top blueberry muffins.
Nice Vince! That’s a great idea 🙂
I am cracking up reading this, thank you!!
4/1/2020 Thanks for this article and cookie scoop size chart.
What is the brand of cookie scoop with the plastic red handle pictured at the top of the article: http://www.bakersbrigade.com/cookie-scoop-sizes-explained
Looks like a simple design. Do you know if it is durable and will hold up for a long period of time.
If his article is ever updated, it might be interesting to know what the diameter of the scoop “bowls” are at the opening for the various scoop sizes.
Hi Doug! The brand of cookie scoop is Zeroll, they make excellent scoops. If you read through my post you’ll see that it has performed very well for me, I’ve been using it vigorously for 18 months and it is as good as new! I have them in several sizes. The one pictured is a #50. There is an amazon link embedded in the post but I’m assuming they are not shipping right now, even though I consider cookies pretty “essential”. As far as the bowl diameters, it would very by make and model of the scoop. They are not usually perfect half spheres so the diameter of one #50 scoop might be different than the diameter of another #50 scoop of a different brand.
Just came across your actively and am so grateful. I’ve been on the search for the smallest cookie scoop. One step smaller than the #100. Any ideas where I could fine one?
Hi Michelle! Unfortunately I haven’t seen one smaller than a #100. One trick I do when I want to get an amount smaller than the scoop I’m using is to sweep the top of the bowl of the scoop with my thumb to create a concave depression. Then you can scoop that out and see if it’s the right amount. With a little practice you can do the “sweeping” the same each time. It’s not perfect, but it’s worked for me. Hope that makes sense!
Makes perfect sense. Thanks for getting back to me!
Whoever finally makes a smaller cookie scoop is going to make a nice profit. I also give a quick thumbprint in each scoop, but I’d love for them to be smaller. I’ll keep following this thread; hopefully someone will find one and share a link!
I have a #100 scoop. It’s made by Volrath. I bought it at a restaurant supply store. Very sturdy! I’ve had it for 12-15 years (so long I can’t remember). My favorite for cookies is the #60. I use the #20, slightly rounded, for cupcakes. (I have #20, #40, #60, #80 and #100.) Love the scoop chart! Thank you…
I haven’t heard of Volrath Nancy, can’t wait to check them out!
What size scoop should I use for Buckeyes and coconut truffles
Hi Laura! Are you able to share links for the recipes you use? Most buckeyes call for 2 teaspoons of dough, or a 1-inch ball. That will be a #100 scoop. The coconut truffles, I’m not sure, but if you look at your recipe it should give you some info about volume or ball size. Let me know and I can help make that conversion:)
Thank you so much for this info. I’ve about the different sized of scoops but would never have figured all of this out.
So glad you found this helpful Diane!
Thank u for this, It is so helpful ♥️
I couldn’t found a #70 scoop on amazon
Can u but the link for that
Thanks
Sorry that I’m just now replying Salwa, somehow I’ve just seen this. https://www.amazon.com/Zeroll-2070-Universal-Designed-Dishwasher/dp/B0002U33R0
Just the information I was looking for. thank you so much
Thanks Tracy, glad you found the info you needed!
Thank you for this! Seriously thank you! I thought I was the only one.
I really like the Pioneer Woman scoop I bought at Walmart for meatballs (of all things!) but I wanted a smaller one to make meatballs for soup (Italian wedding soup and others). Now I know how to size these and where to find them.
Thank you!
Thanks Judy! I always get a little thrill when people find my post and are jazzed about it ❤️
Do you have a chart for corresponding baking times?
Hi Iane :). Unfortunately I don’t. That really depends on the oven temp and the type of cookie. What cookie are you making? I’d be happy to advise!
Thank you so much. I love a nerd!
Me too! Thanks!
I came across your website while tying to figure out what size scoop to order. Thank you for this article. It was delightful and quite educational!! I had no idea how complex this was. Love your chart
Thanks so much MJ! Glad you found the info you were looking for
Thank you for this post! I was tired of my OXO scoops breaking and was researching better scoops. I just bought my first Zeroll scoop, #50! Can’t wait to use it 🙂
Yay! Welcome to the fold Kerry
I ❤️ You for the research! You saved me!
XO Laurie!
Thank you. My truffle recipe calls for a 1 tbsp scoop. Is that the #100?
For 1 tablespoon, you could use a #60 or #70. A #100 is going to be about 2/3 of a tablespoon. I would likely use the #60 and make sure it’s completely leveled off. Happy baking!
Thank you.
I always knew my scooper was off! This is amazing. I have been using an ice cream scoop (#12) for cupcakes forever, but I always have to scoop shy to get the right amount in there, which kind of defeats the purpose of scooping for uniformity. Buying at #24 right this moment! Thank you so much for providing the “Right scooper for the right job” section, as well as the visual of each cookie baked with each scoop. SO HELPFUL!
So glad you found the info you were looking for Maile! I love knowing this post is making the world’s baked goods more uniform, lol.
Thank you! I need to replace my small cookie scoop (I haven’t spoon scooped cookies in years) and the old one did not have markings on it. Now I have a better idea of what to look for, size wise, in my replacement search. I just measured, via the tablespoons of water method, my medium and large scoops, and wrote the results down on a card that I will keep in my tool drawers for quick reference.
Fist pump! I love the idea of a little card ❤️
Hi there my grandson has started a small business and he need a scoop that can make smaller cookies and the one he use now is a 18/8. I saw one on a website before the #100 but it is no longer available please help us find one?
Thank you in advance
AJ MINI COOKIES
Hi Anita! This is the one I recommend, it’s a #100: https://www.amazon.com/Zeroll-2100-Universal-Hand-Operated-Dishwasher/dp/B0002U33NO
Good luck to your grandson!
I’ve been using a weight scale for all my cookies and from trial and error I thought 30 grams of dough was perfect. I came to this site and low behold it’s a number 40 size scoop. I even count 6 chocolate chips in each cookie. I don’t put my chocolate chips in the dough first and mix, instead I wait till I divide my dough out and add the chips separately. I used to make the Betty Crocker cookie mixes in the bag and it said 28 grams for each cookie I just rounded it up to 30 grams and thought they came out beautifully uniformed in size. In conclusion I would invest in a good weight scale instead of a scoop. Best choc chip cookies are the Jacque Torres cookies secret he uses bread and cake flour instead of all purpose.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this chart! And the comments! One more piece of info that I missed if it is in there is a scoop size fir filling mini-muffin pans. Any ideas? (That’s a silly question, isn’t it?!)
So hard to say Margot! All mini muffin pans are different, there is no standard size. I would measure the volume of each mini cup and then use 2/3 that volume. Good luck!
This chart is extremely helpful. I read somewhere that not all manufacturers use the same number for a various sizes. That is why it would also be helpful to have the diameter of the various scoops. What is most frustrating is the wording of many recipes, with phrases such as “heaping tablespoon” (#20 in my kitchen), “generously rounded tablespoon”, “slightly rounded teaspoon”, and so forth. I hope that recipes will start including either the number or the diameter of the scoops. While on the subject, if you are really a stickler for having cookies all the same size, it is better to level the scoop off with a small icing spatula, with about a 4-inch blade (not the offset blade), because scraping the scoop against the rounded edge of the bowl does not yield consistent results. Thank you for the charts.
Hi David! I hear you. The reason I don’t list diameters is that not all scoops have the same volume to diameter ratio. Some scoops are a true half sphere, while others are deeper or wider. The best bet is to buy a scoop with a # gauge number or to fill your scoop with water and measure that volume. Happy baking!
Jane: Yes, I can see you are right about the depth of the bowls on some scoops. To the person who asked about filling mini-muffin pans, I follow the directions of Carole Walter in her book “Great Cakes” where she says to fill with one level tablespoon of batter, or the #60 scoop. I found that size worked very well for the mini-muffins. Hope this helps.
Good information! You hit on the important points.
I love this! It has answered all my questions at once. Bless you for your geekiness. And a visual aid. I can’t ask for more. Thank you.
You rock!
You do!
Hi, Jane! Found your page while hunting for ‘just the right’ scoop, and am really enjoying your sense of humor and excellent advice! I tend to make cookies of the chocolate chip variety, and like them a bit on the larger side (4″-ish). I’m intrigued by the Zeroll line of scoops, but am unsure which one I need to achieve that size (give or take). Please advise, if possible. THANKS!
Hi Brian! Give the Zeroll scoops a shot and let me know what you think. A #16 should do it for a four inch cookie if you slightly flatten it before baking 🙂 Thanks for tracking me down on Facebook, I’m always happy to answer questions and talk cookie math!
Recipe: Use a #20 scoop.
Me: How much cookie dough goes in a #20 scoop?
You: I gotchu. *infographic*
You’re a hero.
Hahahaha, yay!
In my experience, there are about 3 level tablespoons in a #20 scoop. I use it when a recipe says: “Use a heaping tablespoon for each cookie”. It seems to work with the yield stated in the recipe. Often you see “rounded tablespoon” or “slightly rounded tablespoon” Or the same for teaspoon measures. I am glad we are getting away from old inaccurate directions and going to scoops. It also assures that all the cookies will bake at the same rate. Happy baking!
Wow! Thanks for a clear & concise explanation of cookie scoop sizes.
I have the ‘medium’ and ‘small’ OXO cookie scoops. The medium reads #40 – 1.5T close to the 1.6T on the conversion chart.
However, the small reads #60 – 2t. The 2t is equivalent to the #100 on the conversion chart.
Super Duper! Thanks for this awesome reference.
You bet! Cookie accuracy forever!
Where’s the recipe for the cookies that’s in the visual?
Here you go! http://www.bakersbrigade.com/recipe/chewy-molasses-cookies/
Thanks for doing all of this work for us! A little OCD?
Ha! Maybe a touch.
Great chart (and illustration and story!) Thank you.
Diameters (and shapes) vary slightly by manufacturer (and even within a manufacturer for different “lines”). My -guess- is that compensation for the volume of the sweep (or not), and different sizes of sweeps, and … who knows? You’d need another dozen columns. One column with the diameter of the series you reference might be handy, but it’s really volume we are concerned about.
I have partial collections of several, try one if I don’t remember, look,think “bigger?” or “smaller?” and try again. Usually the third try is close enough.
Again, thank you.
I am just new to your site, this is amazing. My 10 year old daughter and I are starting a cookie business and this is very helpful. Is there a rule for the differences of oven temperature and baking time for every sizes you illustrated? Thank you!
Hi Grace! Unfortunately there is no set rule as it depends on the recipe you’re using. How exciting that you’re starting a cookie business! Good luck and feel free to send any overstock my way 😉
Thank you so much for this valuable information!
You’re welcome! Happy baking.
You are a cookie goddess! My crappy Amazon scooper broke and I was looking for a better one. This post was perfect. I admire your baking nerdiness.
Aw, thanks Kelly! Gotta have the right to for the job ❤️ Happy baking!
Please help, I’m on limited time for this batch so I will wing it with my #50, but for future, I have a recipe that says golf ball size? Recommendations on the number scoop I should get next time?
Hi Mary! According to some googling I just did, a golf ball is the volumetric equivalent to about 40 ml, making the #24 your best choice. But since the ml equivalent of the #50 is 19ml, you could also just use two scoops-worth with the #50 and you would be pretty darn close! Happy baking
Your cookie scoop charts are thrilling! Are your scoops leveled, or rounded? Thank you for putting in the effort to provide accurate measurements!
Thanks Nora! This made me chuckle. I definitely level them off. In a completely obsessive way lol.
I LOVE this article on cookie scoops. I actually feel the same way! It is a little nerdy but I love the uniformity of making things with the proper size cookie scoop. I only make cookies for my grandsons and the neighbor boys that cut our grass….and oh yes for my neighbor friends. I love giving them to neighbors with the proper presentation and for that you must use the proper size cookie scoop! Today’s delimma is what is the proper size cookie scoop for Buckeye Candy? Last year I decided to start a new tradition of making and giving away Buckeyes for the holidays (yes, I live in Columbus, Ohio and am an OSU fan). Last year my buckeyes tasted fabulous but only looked average. This year I want them to taste fabulous and look fabulous, hence my hunt for the proper size cookie scoop! I have decided my trusty #50 (or #40, sadly it is not marked but holds 4 T of water) cookie scoop is a tinge too big so for smaller buckeyes I am going to buy a #70. Since I just discovered your website, I am asking your advice. You seem to be quite a Cookie Scoop expert or I suppose we could call you the Cookie Scoop Special Master! Thanks in advance for any advice. Judy
Ha! I am going to get a certificate to that effect! I would say a #70 is right. They will be 1 bite, 2 if you’re feeling very very dainty. Nothing worse than a bulky buckeye, it can go from rich and indulgent to claggy and cloying so fast!
This is awesome! My Pampered Chef scoops always go off track and I’m not strong enough to get them back. My son used to fix them for me, but he’s off at college. My most requested recipe uses 1/4 cup dough. It takes a lot of time to scoop and then try to smack out the dough. I never knew scoops had sizes. I am going to order this. I don’t do math and your cookie math has me flabbergasted. Thank you.
Yay! Yes, it makes cookie making so much less fiddly. Hope you like the Zerroll, it is so annoying when lesser cookie scoops come apart mid-batch.
Hi There, Great article!
I have a question and apologize in advance if it’s been answered and I missed it.
I have plenty of dishers/scoops but am at a loss to know which one to use when the recipe calls for something like a ‘golf ball’ or ‘walnut’ size ball of cookie dough to use a cookie stamp with.
Now we don’t play golf so I have no access to a golf ball. And the only walnuts we eat, come in pieces in little packages.
So I’m stymied on what scoops to use!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Barb! I know what you mean, it can be confusing! I did some math for you. A standard golf ball is about 40ml, which is equivalent to 2 2/3 tablespoons or a #24 scoop 🙂
Hello,
Please help? I read through your article and it was very helpful. I may have missed this in the article and in the many comments but I received a cookie cookbook this Christmas and most of the recipes ask you to make a “1-inch ball of cookie dough”.
I have no idea how to do that. Can you please advise me what scoop to use\buy? I would be most grateful.
Hi David! For a 1-inch ball, I use a #100 scoop. Hope that helps!
Ohmygosh! I always thought scoops came in small, medium & large. I’m so excited to have stumbled over this blog post! Definitely going to check to see if the (home party brand)scoops I have, have numbers on them & will checking out the link you provided!
Yay, that’s wonderful! Happy baking 🙂
Thanks for a very informative post!! I already ordered the scoop I was searching for and, now, I feel like all my scoop needs will be met in the future. I’m over the moon excited!
Thank you SO MUCH for this info. Wow, wow, wow. 🙂
Hey, I have a recipe that calls for a 3 Oz cookie scoop. I have a biggest Pioneer Woman scoop with no number on it. Feeling a little flummoxed. Any ideas?
I came across a bear claw cookie recipe that says using a small cookie scoop would work best, what size would that be? I used my 1 tbs cookie scooper and they came out to big.
This is the BEST ever! Thank you so much. I was trying to figure out which size scoop equaled 2 T. And all the other measurements are also great. This will be in my cooking guide forever!
After a very failed attempt at Joanna Gaines’ chocolate chip cookies (scoop size!!), I decided before making Zoe Francois’ chocolate chip cookies, I’d finally determinate my scoop sizes. I always hesitate to make cookies because I can NEVER determine the correct size! So glad I came across your site and this article! Your comment “I noticed a little number stamped into the metal of both scoops.” I had NO IDEA! I looked at mine and there it was: #24! Thanks for this detailed article on scoop sizes! It’s a game changer for me!!! And for the suggestion on ordering the various sizes! Bookmarking your page!
What a great read. You ticked all my nerdy baker boxes, lol. Thank you so much.
Hello, just in time for the holidays. I plan on making the trending 6 ounce cookies out there. In your opinion, what size scoop should I use a number six? Or should I use two scoops sizes to create 6 ounce crispy edged moist in the middle chocolate chip cookies. Please advise as soon as possible as I will need to purchase for the upcoming holiday season to gift. I’m also open to bigger cookies maybe up to 7 ounces as well
You are a genius! I love the internet and people like you for posting about this, complete with a chart and pictures! Life is good!
This info is awesome. So glad i came across this on the web. The syringe you use for cupcakes would this apply to all sorts of cupcakes since some rise more than others? I’ll be ordering that and also the zeroll #30 for my cookies since i like mine a little larger. thank you so much!
While in the middle of baby shower prep for a good friend, I was writing out ingredients to make a shopping list for a few of her favorite cookies I make to have at her shower. After comparing the yields between the recipes, I found myself flustered. One calls for rounded teaspoon heaps, another 1 inch balls, and yet another 1/4 cup each. So I went down the rabbit hole trying to decipher exactly how differently sized each of these cookies will be. I can’t serve 3 different sized cookies! And then…. I came across this blog post. And ma’am. You are my spirit animal! Where have you been all my life?! I will now be digging out all of my dishers and searching for their number. I will also be adjusting them all to be coordinating sizes and adjusting cooking times to match as well. Thank you!