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Discover the 7 essential tools I use every day in my home bakery. From my beloved KitchenAid mixer to the humble bench scraper, these are the game-changing tools that make from-scratch baking smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. By Victoria Darnell Originally Published 6/26/2025  Disclaimer: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you.
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A | s someone who bakes almost daily and runs a cottage bakery from home, I’ve learned which tools are truly worth having on hand. This month, I’m sharing a few of my favorite finds — practical, cozy, and 100% Scratch Crafted approved. |
Whether you’re stocking your kitchen, upgrading your tools, or just browsing for something new, here’s what I’ve been loving lately.
Why the Right Tools Changed Everything for Me
| When I first started baking from scratch, I was mostly winging it with whatever I had in the kitchen—some old mixing bowls, a single baking sheet, and a dream. But it wasn’t until I invested in a few solid tools that everything truly began to change. The right gear didn’t just make baking easier—it made it more fun, more consistent, and honestly, more magical.
As someone who now runs a home bakery under Ohio’s cottage food laws,
As someone who now runs a home bakery under Ohio’s cottage food laws,
" I’ve learned that having dependable
tools aren’t just helpful—it’s essential. "
Whether I’m prepping dough for a market day, whipping up a last-minute batch of cookies, or carefully packaging cinnamon rolls for shipping, I reach for these same items over and over again.
In this post, I’m sharing the seven tools I absolutely swear by in my home bakery. These aren’t just “nice to haves”—they’re the tools that keep me going day after day. If you’re looking to elevate your own baking game (or just want to know what’s in a cottage baker’s toolkit), this list is for you.
1.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer– My Ride-or-Die Baking Partner
Before I ever sold a single cookie or cinnamon roll, I bought my first KitchenAid stand mixer. I didn’t even know how to bake from scratch yet—I just knew I wanted one. It was my “big buy,” and at the time, I told myself I’d learn how to make anything and everything from scratch just to justify it.
What I didn’t realize then was how much this tool would come to symbolize in my journey. It’s more than just a mixer—it’s part of the reason I fell in love with baking. From kneading dough to whipping frostings and even shredding cheese with the shredding attachment, this mixer handles so much of the heavy lifting in my kitchen. I use it daily in my home bakery, and honestly, I’d be lost without it!
I love how versatile it is, especially with all the attachments available. The dough hook alone has saved my arms more times than I can count. Whether you’re a beginner baker or running a full cottage bakery like me, investing in a stand mixer—especially a KitchenAid—is a move you won’t regret.
What I didn’t realize then was how much this tool would come to symbolize in my journey. It’s more than just a mixer—it’s part of the reason I fell in love with baking. From kneading dough to whipping frostings and even shredding cheese with the shredding attachment, this mixer handles so much of the heavy lifting in my kitchen. I use it daily in my home bakery, and honestly, I’d be lost without it!
I love how versatile it is, especially with all the attachments available. The dough hook alone has saved my arms more times than I can count. Whether you’re a beginner baker or running a full cottage bakery like me, investing in a stand mixer—especially a KitchenAid—is a move you won’t regret.
2.
Digital Scale – Because Precision Matters
One of the simplest tools in my bakery also happens to be one of the most important: a good digital scale. If you’re still measuring flour by the cup, I promise—switching to grams will change everything. Baking is a science, and once I started measuring by weight, my results became more consistent, my doughs became more predictable, and my recipes turned out exactly how I wanted every single time.
I especially rely on my scale when making sourdough, portioning cookie dough for perfect bakery-size cookies, and dividing cinnamon rolls into even pieces. It also helps me accurately calculate cost and serving size for my cottage bakery, which is huge when you’re selling by the slice, roll, or loaf.
Not all scales are created equal, though. I recommend one that measures in grams, has a tare function, and is easy to wipe clean. Mine has taken a lot of floury abuse and is still going strong.
If I had to start over with just one tool, this might be it. It’s that essential.
I especially rely on my scale when making sourdough, portioning cookie dough for perfect bakery-size cookies, and dividing cinnamon rolls into even pieces. It also helps me accurately calculate cost and serving size for my cottage bakery, which is huge when you’re selling by the slice, roll, or loaf.
Not all scales are created equal, though. I recommend one that measures in grams, has a tare function, and is easy to wipe clean. Mine has taken a lot of floury abuse and is still going strong.
If I had to start over with just one tool, this might be it. It’s that essential.
3.
Cast Iron Skillet – My Secret Weapon for Golden, Flavorful Crusts
I know cast iron isn’t the first thing most people think of when it comes to baking—but for me, it’s an absolute essential. From crusty sourdough loaves to golden skillet cookies and even perfectly seared cinnamon roll bottoms, my cast iron skillet earns its keep every single week.
One of the things I love most about cast iron is how evenly it holds and distributes heat. That means better oven spring in my bread, more caramelized edges, and bakes that just look and taste better. I also love using it to cook veggies or quick dinners when the oven’s already hot from baking—it’s just one of those multitasking tools that never goes out of style.
My cast iron pans feel like part of the family at this point. They’re well-seasoned, built to last, and they’ve only gotten better with time. If you don’t have one yet, this is your sign to get one and start baking with it—it’ll change the way you cook.
One of the things I love most about cast iron is how evenly it holds and distributes heat. That means better oven spring in my bread, more caramelized edges, and bakes that just look and taste better. I also love using it to cook veggies or quick dinners when the oven’s already hot from baking—it’s just one of those multitasking tools that never goes out of style.
My cast iron pans feel like part of the family at this point. They’re well-seasoned, built to last, and they’ve only gotten better with time. If you don’t have one yet, this is your sign to get one and start baking with it—it’ll change the way you cook.
4.
Bench Scraper – The Tiny Tool That Does It All
This little rectangle of metal might not look like much, but in my kitchen, my bench scraper is an absolute workhorse. I use it every single day—sometimes for baking, sometimes for cleanup, and sometimes for portioning dough with satisfying precision.
It’s the tool I reach for when I’m shaping sourdough, lifting sticky dough off the counter, dividing cinnamon rolls, or scraping floury bits into the compost bin. There’s something about the clean swipe of a bench scraper that feels professional and efficient—even if you’re just cleaning up a messy dough station.
If you're working with bread or pastry dough, a bench scraper is non-negotiable. It helps maintain your rhythm, reduces waste, and keeps your workspace tidy. I keep one by my side whenever I bake—it’s affordable, low-maintenance, and surprisingly versatile.
It’s the tool I reach for when I’m shaping sourdough, lifting sticky dough off the counter, dividing cinnamon rolls, or scraping floury bits into the compost bin. There’s something about the clean swipe of a bench scraper that feels professional and efficient—even if you’re just cleaning up a messy dough station.
If you're working with bread or pastry dough, a bench scraper is non-negotiable. It helps maintain your rhythm, reduces waste, and keeps your workspace tidy. I keep one by my side whenever I bake—it’s affordable, low-maintenance, and surprisingly versatile.
5.
Cooling Racks – Because Bakes Deserve to Breathe
If you’ve ever left a fresh cookie or loaf to cool on the pan only to find the bottom soggy, you’ll understand why cooling racks are non-negotiable in my bakery. They might not be the most glamorous tool in the kitchen, but they are absolutely essential for maintaining texture and preventing that dreaded steam trap underneath your baked goods.
I use cooling racks constantly—whether I’m lining them with cookies fresh from the oven, transferring cinnamon rolls for frosting, or letting loaves of bread cool completely before slicing. The airflow makes a huge difference, especially when you’re baking in batches and need to reset your pans quickly.
I recommend having at least two large racks on hand, especially if you’re baking for orders. Stackable ones are great for saving space, and I always line mine with parchment or paper towels when cooling cookies destined for packaging.
Trust me—once you start using them regularly, you’ll never go back to the countertop or baking sheet method.
I use cooling racks constantly—whether I’m lining them with cookies fresh from the oven, transferring cinnamon rolls for frosting, or letting loaves of bread cool completely before slicing. The airflow makes a huge difference, especially when you’re baking in batches and need to reset your pans quickly.
I recommend having at least two large racks on hand, especially if you’re baking for orders. Stackable ones are great for saving space, and I always line mine with parchment or paper towels when cooling cookies destined for packaging.
Trust me—once you start using them regularly, you’ll never go back to the countertop or baking sheet method.
6.
Danish Whisk – My Go-To for Mixing Dough by Hand
If you’ve ever tried mixing stiff dough with a regular spoon and ended up with a sore wrist and a sticky mess, let me introduce you to one of my favorite under-the-radar tools: the Danish whisk. This little tool has been a total game changer in my kitchen, especially for anything sourdough-related or when I don’t want to break out the mixer for a small batch.
What makes the Danish whisk so special is its open coil design—it slices right through thick batters and doughs without clumping, and it’s way easier to clean than a traditional whisk or wooden spoon. I especially love using mine when I’m mixing up cinnamon roll dough or hydrating sourdough starter. There’s something satisfying about working with your hands and feeling the dough come together the old-fashioned way.
I first got mine through a creator program, and I wasn’t sure if I’d really use it. But now? I reach for it almost daily. It’s affordable, durable, and fits perfectly into the rhythm of a home bakery. If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend adding it to your toolkit. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What makes the Danish whisk so special is its open coil design—it slices right through thick batters and doughs without clumping, and it’s way easier to clean than a traditional whisk or wooden spoon. I especially love using mine when I’m mixing up cinnamon roll dough or hydrating sourdough starter. There’s something satisfying about working with your hands and feeling the dough come together the old-fashioned way.
I first got mine through a creator program, and I wasn’t sure if I’d really use it. But now? I reach for it almost daily. It’s affordable, durable, and fits perfectly into the rhythm of a home bakery. If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend adding it to your toolkit. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
7.
Bread Knife – For the Perfect Slice, Every Time
There’s nothing worse than baking a beautiful loaf of bread and then tearing it to shreds with the wrong knife. That’s why a quality bread knife is a must-have in my home bakery. Whether I’m slicing sourdough, cutting focaccia into wedges, or prepping thick slabs of banana bread for market day, a sharp, serrated knife is the only way to go.
A good bread knife glides through crust without crushing the crumb, and it makes portioning loaves so much easier—especially when you’re prepping multiple items for sale. I also use mine to slice through cooled cinnamon rolls for packaging or to cut bakery-size brownies without smearing the edges.
I prefer a knife with a long, sturdy blade and an ergonomic handle—it just feels more natural in my hands and gives me the control I need. It’s one of those tools that doesn’t leave the drawer. If you bake bread (or even just love thick toast), invest in a good one. Your loaves deserve it.
A good bread knife glides through crust without crushing the crumb, and it makes portioning loaves so much easier—especially when you’re prepping multiple items for sale. I also use mine to slice through cooled cinnamon rolls for packaging or to cut bakery-size brownies without smearing the edges.
I prefer a knife with a long, sturdy blade and an ergonomic handle—it just feels more natural in my hands and gives me the control I need. It’s one of those tools that doesn’t leave the drawer. If you bake bread (or even just love thick toast), invest in a good one. Your loaves deserve it.
Honorable Mentions I Love (and Use All the Time)
While the seven tools above are my ride-or-die staples, there are a few honorable mentions that deserve a shoutout. These might not make the “essential” list, but they definitely earn their place in my kitchen:
These smaller items help me stay organized, efficient, and just a little more joyful during long baking days.
- Oven Thermometer – I learned early on that not all ovens are created equal. An inexpensive thermometer has helped me avoid underbaked centers and burnt edges more times than I can count.
- Silicone Spatulas – From scraping down mixer bowls to folding batter gently, I always keep a few on hand. Bonus points if they’re cute and seasonal (because why not?).
- Kitchen Timer – Whether it’s built into your oven or a standalone, a good timer keeps me focused when I’m juggling multiple bakes at once. I even use my phone timer when things get busy!
- Apron with Pockets – Okay, it’s not a tool in the traditional sense, but having a place to tuck my phone, thermometer, or bench scraper has saved me so much time mid-bake.
These smaller items help me stay organized, efficient, and just a little more joyful during long baking days.
Final Thoughts: The Tools Behind the Treats
Running a home bakery means working smarter, not harder—and these tools help me do exactly that. They’ve saved me time, improved my results, and given me confidence in every stage of the baking process. But beyond function, they’ve helped turn my kitchen into a place of creativity, comfort, and purpose.
I genuinely believe that the right tools can take your baking from “pretty good” to “I can’t believe you made this.” Whether you’re just getting started or building your own home bakery like I did, I hope this list helps you feel more equipped and inspired.
If you have a tool you swear by, I’d love to hear about it in the comments—or come find me on Instagram and let’s talk all things from-scratch baking. And if you’re looking to build your own home bakery toolkit, you can find links to my favorites throughout this post and in my shop the scratch collection page.
Here’s to more flour-dusted counters, perfectly sliced loaves, and tools that make the magic a little easier.
I genuinely believe that the right tools can take your baking from “pretty good” to “I can’t believe you made this.” Whether you’re just getting started or building your own home bakery like I did, I hope this list helps you feel more equipped and inspired.
If you have a tool you swear by, I’d love to hear about it in the comments—or come find me on Instagram and let’s talk all things from-scratch baking. And if you’re looking to build your own home bakery toolkit, you can find links to my favorites throughout this post and in my shop the scratch collection page.
Here’s to more flour-dusted counters, perfectly sliced loaves, and tools that make the magic a little easier.
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Author
Hi, I’m Victoria — the baker, blogger, and mom behind Scratch Crafted Meals and Scratch Crafted Bakery. What started as a way to justify my love for kitchen gadgets (hello, stand mixer!) turned into a full-on obsession with baking from scratch and helping others feel confident in their own kitchens. Curated by Scratch Crafted is where I share my favorite tools, cozy finds, and kitchen must-haves — things I use (or would love to use) in my home every day. Whether you’re whipping up cinnamon rolls, organizing your pantry, or just looking for a little more ease and joy in the kitchen, you’ll find something here that’s been thoughtfully chosen to support your journey. Every product is selected with care and tested in the real-life chaos of my family kitchen — because if it works for us, I know it’ll work for you too. 💛
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