Understanding the Differences

• Although both products are sold in rolls and are commonly used as nonstick, disposable sheets, there are several important differences between parchment paper and wax paper. Parchment paper is a cellulose-based cooking paper, and is made by dousing sheets of paper pulp through sulfuric acid. The chemicals are later washed off after the paper dries. Wax paper is a semitransparent paper that contains a thin coating of wax on both sides. Because both products are moisture-proof and have nonstick characteristics, they are commonly used in the kitchen for baking and cooking activities.

Uses for Parchment Paper

• Parchment paper is generally used when baking cookies to line cookie sheets, eliminating the need for pan cleanup after the cookies are baked. In addition, parchment paper can be used to line cake pans when baking a cake. Parchment paper can also be used to line cookie sheets when baking vegetables, including potatoes, asparagus and squash.

  Parchment paper can also be used in a confection oven and microwave, but should not be exposed to open flames or a broiling unit. Parchment paper can be used in ovens with temperatures up to 420°.

Uses for Wax Paper

• Wax paper can be used to line cake and muffin pans, including circular and rectangular cake pans, because the cake batter generally covers all or most of the wax paper, preventing the wax paper from burning or smoking. Wax paper cannot be used for lining cookie sheets, because the product cannot take such direct heat, and will burn and begin to smoke. Wax paper can also be used to cover foods in a microwave.

  Wax paper can also be used in craft projects, and is a useful tool in pressing leaves. To press leaves or four-leaf clovers, simply place a leaf between two pieces of wax paper, line both sides with two pieces of a brown paper bag, and press firmly with a warm iron.