INSIDE: See how to make DIY muffin liners using parchment paper and a few basic tools you have around the house.
I was making muffins a few weekends ago and realized — after my toddler had already mashed up the bananas for the batter — that I didn’t have any more muffin tin liners. I didn’t want to go buy more (read: take him to the store), so I decided to get creative and make my own DIY liners out of parchment paper.
I found some help on the Internet and liked the rustic-looking result so much that I’ve made muffin or cupcake liners a few times now. Here are the hacks I’ve learned along the way.
Materials for Making DIY Muffin Liners From Parchment Paper
- Muffin tin
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pen
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Small container that fits into one of your muffin tin wells
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Parchment Paper
How big should your parchment paper be for DIY muffin liners? I’ve found that 5×5-inch squares work great.
Using a ruler, measure 5 inches up from the end of your parchment paper roll (toward the box) and make a small mark on the paper. Do the same thing on the other side.
My parchment paper was 15 inches wide, so I couldn’t use my 12-inch ruler to draw a straight line all the way across. Instead, I grabbed a cookie sheet to use as a straight edge, but you can use anything lying around that’s longer than the width of your parchment. Just trace the edge of your item so you get a nice clean line across your paper.
Now you have one side of your squares measured. Use the ruler to divide your rectangle into three separate squares, 5X5 inches each. You can use the ruler or cookie sheet as a straight edge again.
Repeat the process three times, so you end up with four rows of three squares each.
Now, use your scissors to cut out your liners. You’ll end up with 12 5X5-inch squares.
Step 2: Mold Your Parchment Paper Around the Top of a Small Can
Next you’ll form your liners with the help of any circular container that fits into one of your muffin tin wells. I’ve seen people use those tiny cans of tomato paste or tomato juice. I found that my spice jars worked just as well and were easy to grab right there in the kitchen.
Put one of your parchment paper squares — curly side down — on top of your can/container. Center the lid in the middle of the square.
Then, use your hand to fold the paper tight around the container.
Run your fingernail around the lid and down the sides of the can to reinforce the folded creases in the parchment paper.
Step 3: Put Your Parchment Paper Liners Into Your Muffin Tin
Turn the container upside-down and put your liner into one of the wells in your muffin tin. Pick up the container and repeat the folding/creasing process until all your muffin or cupcake liners are in the tin.
Step 4: Fill Your Liners With Muffin or Cupcake Batter, Bake and Enjoy
Now fill up your liners with your muffin or cupcake batter and bake as your recipe directs. Let your baked goods cool for a few minutes in the muffin tin, remove them to a wire rack, and finally enjoy!
Step 5: Compost Your Used DIY Muffin Liners
If your area does compost recycling or you’re composting yourself at home, you can include your DIY parchment paper liners in your compost bin. Just shred them up with scissors to give the decomposition process a head start.