The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find That Makes Baking Christmas Cookies So Much Easier

I recently came across creator Kylee Lauren's TikTok videos about the traditions her parents created to make childhood feel special, and one that really stood out to me (among many) was "Cookie Hookie Day." In the video, she talks about how her parents used to surprise her and her siblings by pulling them out of school to spend the day baking Christmas cookies together.

What really struck me was that this tiny act of magic is something they still recreate now as adults, with all the now-grown children and parents taking a day off work to keep the tradition going. The kind of memory I hope my own kids will carry with them forever. This year, my husband and I decided to have our own version of "Cookie Hookie Day."

To prepare for the big day, I swung by Dollar Tree and grabbed a few supplies—fun sprinkles, parchment paper sheets, some fresh cookie cutters, and a stack of assorted stainless-steel mini mixing bowls so everyone could have their own little setup.

At $1.25, I picked up six of them in various sizes without giving it a second thought. And when our "Cookie Hookie Day" finally rolls around, those little bowls will make the kids feel special, and the whole thing will (fingers crossed) feel a bit more organized.

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Stainless-Steel Mini Mixing Bowls

First, the price is really unbeatable. Where else can you get stainless steel for five quarters? Beyond the bargain factor, they're legitimately useful. They come in three sizes (roughly 6.8, 6.25, and 5.5 inches in diameter). The stainless-steel material is such a benefit. I have larger stainless-steel bowls and use them all the time because they don't stain or absorb odors.

They're also durable, dishwasher-safe, and stack neatly together in my cabinet, so even though I now own several, they don't take up much space. 

How I Use Dollar Tree's Stainless-Steel Mini Mixing Bowls

I've already started using them for my mise en place (measuring and prepping all my ingredients before I start). They're the perfect size for measuring aromatics, spice blends, rice, and more.

I know when it comes to baking, they'll help prep things like sprinkles, nuts, and chocolate before anyone even touches the flour. I can set them out individually with sanding sugar, nonpareil sprinkles, and a cinnamon-sugar coating station (for brown sugar snickerdoodles), as well as to hold different colors of royal icing while we decorate sugar cookies. And I can even set one over a small saucepan of simmering water and use it as a makeshift double boiler. 

I have a plan, and it might sound like overkill, but when elbow-deep in cookie dough with two eager kids, I don't want to suddenly realize that I forgot the baking powder or already added the salt. With everything pre-measured and visible, the process of baking together can be more fun, playful, and calm (I'm referring to myself on the last one). Beyond the holidays, I'll continue to use them regularly.

If you're gearing up for holiday baking or you want your everyday cooking to feel a little more put-together, grab a stack of these mini mixing bowls next time you're at Dollar Tree. For $1.25 a bowl, you really can't go wrong. In the meantime, wish me luck for "Cookie Hookie Day!"

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