Question: Do I really need...parchment paper?

Answer: Parchment paper is an essential baking tool because it creates a nonstick surface. If you want cakes to release cleanly, brownies to lift out of the pan, and cookies to slide off the sheet, parchment paper is a must. It can be a little pricey, but it's also available in pretty much every baking aisle and is 100% worth it—way better than having a cake that you worked so hard on refuse to come out of the pan.