Use parchment paper to make a simple DIY muffin liner

Inside: Learn how to make DIY muffin liners using parchment paper and some basic tools around the house.

A few weekends ago, while making muffins, I realized—after my toddler had mashed bananas to make batter—I didn’t have more muffin tin linings. I didn’t want to buy more (read: take him to the store), so I decided to be creative and make my own DIY liner out of parchment paper.

I found some help on the Internet and like the rustic effect so much that I have made muffins or cupcake linings several times. The following are the skills I learned in this process.

Use parchment paper to make DIY muffin lining materials

• Muffin tin
• Cookie sheet
• parchment
• pen
• ruler
• scissors
• A small container that fits one of your muffin tins

Step 1: Measure and cut the parchment

How big should your parchment paper be for DIY muffin liners?I find 5×5 inch square Works well.

Using a ruler, measure 5 inches from the end of the parchment roll (toward the box) and make a small mark on the paper. Do the same thing on the other side.

My parchment is 15 inches wide, so I can’t draw a straight line with a 12-inch ruler. Instead, I grabbed a piece of biscuit paper to use as a straight edge, but you can use anything longer than the width of the parchment paper. Just trace the edge of the item to form a clean line on the paper.

Now you have measured one side of the square. Use a ruler to divide the rectangle into three separate squares, each square 5X5 inches. You can again use a ruler or cookie sheet as a straight edge.

Repeat this process three times, so you get four rows of three squares.

Now, cut the lining with scissors. You will end up with 12 5X5 inch squares.

Step 2: Shape the parchment paper around the top of the small jar

Next, you will form the lining with the help of any round container that fits one of your muffin tins. I have seen people use those small cans of tomato sauce or tomato juice. I find that my spice jar is also very useful and easy to get in the kitchen.

Place a square of parchment paper (curled side down) on top of the jar/container. Place the lid in the middle of the square.

Then, fold the paper tightly around the container with your hands.

Use your nails to move down around the lid and the sides of the jar to strengthen the folds on the parchment paper.

Step 3: Put the parchment paper liner into the muffin tin

Turn the container upside down and place the liner into a hole in the muffin tin. Pick up the container and repeat the folding/creasing process until all the muffins or cupcake liners are in the tin.

Step 4: Fill the lining with muffin or cupcake batter, bake and enjoy

Now fill your liner with your muffin or cupcake batter and bake according to your recipe. Let your baked goods cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then move them to the metal rack and enjoy them at the end!

Step 5: Compost your used DIY muffin lining

If you are in your area for compost recycling, or if you compost yourself at home, you can put a DIY parchment liner in the compost bin. Simply chop them up with scissors to provide a good start for the decomposition process.