Now, you might be wondering, what's the science behind baking with wax paper? Well, it all comes down to the chemistry of wax and heat. When you expose wax paper to high temperatures, the wax can vaporize and release some not-so-tasty fumes - not exactly what you want in your cookies. On the other hand, parchment paper is designed to withstand high temperatures, making it the perfect choice for baking.
But don't just take my word for it - there are plenty of baking disasters out there that can attest to the dangers of using wax paper in the oven. Just imagine the look on your face when you open the oven door to find your beautiful chocolate chip cookies have turned into a charred and smelly mess - not fun. So, play it safe and stick with parchment paper or a silicone mat - your cookies (and your kitchen) will thank you.
Now, I know what you're thinking - what about all the other types of baking paper out there? Can you use aluminum foil or butter paper for baking cookies? The answer is, it depends. Aluminum foil can be used for baking, but it's not the best choice for cookies, as it can make them tough and chewy. And as for butter paper, it's basically just wax paper with a fancy name - so, no go.