Straight to the Level
In case you purchase one cookie sheet, it ought to be the Nordic Ware Pure Aluminum Industrial Baker’s Half-Sheet Pan. Its rimmed edges are warp-proof, it’s versatile, and it’ll final you for years.
In case you’re into completely baked, fresh-from-the-oven, selfmade cookies (and let’s be trustworthy, who isn’t?), you want greater than a recipe: You want nice cookie sheets. The fabric and building matter, so we’ve spent years testing and re-testing cookie sheets. The one you utilize could make or break your favourite chocolate chip cookie, and also you shouldn’t need to be taught that the onerous approach. It’s value noting that each one of our favorites can transcend baked items—we use them for roasting all kinds of greens and meat, toasting nuts, cooling grains, making pizza, and extra.
Issues to Contemplate
What Is a Cookie Sheet?
Critical Eats
A conventional cookie sheet is a skinny, edgeless pan constructed from metal, aluminum, or a mix of each. It’s good for one factor and one factor solely: baking cookies. Cookies simply slide from the pan onto a cooling rack, and the shortage of sides helps you maneuver a meals turner round. Kitchen unitaskers aren’t unhealthy—the truth is, we advocate fairly just a few—however since baking sheets can bake cookies and roast greens and meat, we expect they’re a a lot better choice than conventional cookie sheets.
Rimmed sheet pans have one-inch partitions and rolled edges on all sides. The peak retains meals and scorching fats contained, and the rolled edges serve two functions. First, they make the pan simpler to grip, particularly when sporting pot holders or oven mitts. Additionally they assist forestall warping from excessive temperature modifications. Nonetheless confused concerning the distinction between cookie sheets and baking sheets? Try this text for an in-depth take a look at them.
Nonstick vs. Common Cookie Sheets
Critical Eats / Vicky Wasik
Which is healthier: nonstick or common cookie sheets? Right here’s the top-line reply: Often, common ones.
We favor cookie sheets with out nonstick coatings as a result of this coating wears away over time. Even with essentially the most fastidious care, nonstick cookware (like skillets) will scratch and peel. Common baking sheets are higher long-term investments and may face up to larger oven temperatures.
However there are some occasions when nonstick baking sheets are good to have. In case you’re baking and don’t have parchment paper to make use of as a liner, a nonstick pan will guarantee your cookies slide off simply. A rule of thumb for nonstick bakeware: Select lighter-colored pans. Darker nonstick coating will trigger meals to cook dinner quicker, which may mess up a recipe—image an almost-burnt oatmeal cookie with a still-raw inside.
How Massive Is a Cookie Sheet?
Critical Eats / Amanda Suarez
The most typical measurement cookie sheet is eighteen by 13 inches, with one-inch sides. Quarter baking sheets are a step down from these; they measure 13 by 9 inches. They’re perfect for baking a small batch of cookies—say you retain a stash of pre-rolled dough in your freezer and need to bake off only one or two.
Our Favourite Cookie Sheets
What we favored: That is one sturdy pan. The aluminum base heats up shortly and cooks evenly, whereas the metal edges present additional stability and make it extraordinarily sturdy. Nonetheless, it comes with a lifetime guarantee—simply in case. The dearth of a nonstick coating means it’s broiler-safe, and the chunky rolled sides are simple to seize, even with cumbersome oven mitts. It’s bought in a set of two, and also you’ll need extra.
What we didn’t like: Nothing to complain about. This can be a nice pan.
Key Specs
- Supplies: Aluminum, metal
- Dimension: 17 x 12 inches
- Edge Peak: 1 inch
- Guarantee: Lifetime
Critical Eats / Fred Hardy
What we favored: In our overview of nonstick cookie sheets, sticky substances slid proper off this pan, together with just-baked cookies and crispy Parmesan cheese. The rim is taller than most, which retains splatters contained and makes it even simpler to seize whereas scorching.
What we didn’t like: It’s not broiler-safe and may solely stand temperatures as much as 450˚F. The underside of this pan wasn’t the lightest-colored one we examined, which meant cookies browned a bit quicker. However it was certainly not the worst offender of all of the nonstick pans.
Key Specs
- Supplies: Aluminized metal and nonstick coating
- Dimension: 17.1 x 12.1 inches
- Edge Peak: 1 1/4 inch
- Guarantee: Lifetime
Critical Eats / Irvin Lin
What we favored: All the pieces we like about our total high decide, this one has in miniature. It’s a perfect measurement for baking one or two cookies at a time. Its small footprint additionally makes it helpful for prepping substances and roasting a batch of greens. You should buy lids that match completely, so that they double as baking vessels and cookie jars.
What we didn’t like: We will’t consider a factor!
Key Specs
- Supplies: Aluminum
- Dimension: 12.1 x 8.8 inches
- Edge Peak: 1 inch
- Guarantee: Lifetime
Critical Eats / Vicky Wasik
FAQs
Is it “cookie sheet” or “cooking sheet”?
Whereas each technically make sense, the time period mostly used is “cookie sheet.” Reminder: Cookie sheets have edgeless sides that assist cookies slide off simply. We favor baking sheets—they’re rimmed and can be utilized for baking and cooking.
How do you clear a cookie sheet?
Please don’t put them within the dishwasher, it doesn’t matter what the producer says. The excessive temperatures and cleansing options can degrade the finishes over time. To maintain your pans in high form, wash them with heat soapy water and a nonabrasive dish sponge. For cussed stains, Bar Keepers Pal will work miracles.
Why We’re the Specialists
- Rochelle Bilow is an editor at Critical Eats.
- She has been with the workforce since 2024 and has been testing kitchen gear professionally since 2021.
- Rochelle is a culinary college graduate and former line cook dinner and used to work as an editor at Bon Appétit journal.
- Critical Eats has examined all method of baking sheets, often known as cookie sheets: conventional, nonstick, and small.