The Best Cookie Sheet

If you’d like to make delicious treats to enjoy at home or serve at an event, a cookie sheet is an essential piece to add to your bakeware collection. While designed primarily for cookies, this type of pan can offer the versatility to make other sweets such as brownies, snack bars, pies and cakes. You can even use it for cooking meats, seafood and vegetables.

Two primary types of cookie sheets exist. Some look like traditional baking sheets with raised sides, and these are great if you want versatility for making other foods. Other sheets have a flat bottom and a slightly raised side or two that you can grasp. While these make it easier to slide your cookies off, they’re not ideal for cooking other foods.

You should get the right cookie sheet size that fits in your oven and provides enough space for the number of cookies you plan to bake. While dimensions can sometimes vary, the most popular sizes for home baking in a regular oven include the half sheet (18 inches by 13 inches), quarter sheet (13 inches by 9 inches) and jelly roll pan (15.5 inches by 10.5 inches). If you want to use a toaster oven, you can get an eighth sheet (6.5 inches by 9.5 inches). Consider buying a set with multiple sizes for flexibility.

Cookie sheets come in stainless steel, aluminum and aluminized steel options. While stainless steel sheets are very durable and easy to maintain, they can be expensive and result in a longer baking time. Most popular for home use, aluminum sheets cost less and are great for even baking results, but they can warp easily. Aluminized steel offers the advantages of aluminum with increased durability, but it can rust and cost more.

You’ll come across some popular features for cookie sheets as well. These most often include a nonstick coating and the ability to wash the sheet in your dishwasher. Usually more expensive, some cookie sheets also have an insulation feature so that your cookies bake more evenly and don’t burn.

• Even if you get a nonstick cookie sheet, consider using a baking mat, parchment paper or aluminum foil as a lining. Not only will you have an easier time getting the finished cookies off the tray, but you’ll have less cleaning to do too.
• When placing your cookies on the sheet, avoid cramming too many on there. Instead, leave around two inches of space between them since each cookie will expand while baking. You can always use multiple cookie sheets if you have a large batch to make.
• The most common heat setting for baking cookies is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual baking time varies depending on the type of cookies you’re making but runs 10 to 12 minutes on average. You should check your recipe for specific baking times and any special steps to follow.
• To ensure your cookies bake evenly, rotate the sheet around halfway during the baking process.
• Take care when you remove your cookie sheet from the oven since it will be very hot. Consider using a cotton or silicone oven mitt to keep your hands safe and comfortable. Plus, make sure you place the cookie sheet on a surface that heat won’t damage.
• Give your cookies time to cool off before you remove them from the sheet to decorate, enjoy or store. 
• You can use a cookie jar or food storage container to help keep them fresh for several days. You can also use specialized packing like cookie gift boxes or wrappers if you plan to give the treats away or serve them at an event.
• As long as the cookies don’t have icing that could melt, you can reheat them in the microwave for around 10 to 15 seconds. Putting them back in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature works too.
• You should regularly clean your cookie sheets to get food residue off and prevent issues such as rust. After you let the sheet first cool off, you can simply put it in the dishwasher (if it’s safe) or just wash the sheet by hand with dish soap and warm water. Other cleaning solutions include using vinegar for stubborn grease or salt with soapy water for stuck food. Dry off your cookie sheets well to prevent them from getting rusty while in storage.