What is a Baking or Cookie Sheet?

A cookie sheet is one of the basic pieces of bakeware that every well-equipped kitchen should have at least one of. Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing a worn-out cookie sheet, it’s worth investing in a quality stainless steel cookie sheet that will last you for life!

What is a Cookie Sheet?

Let’s start by defining exactly what a cookie sheet is. Usually, a cookie sheet has three flat edges and one raised lip. This allows for easy gripping, while the flat sides make it easier to slide cookies off after baking, as well as allowing heat to circulate evenly across the entire surface.

Cookie Sheet Sizes

There is not really a standard cookie sheet size. However, you can usually find them in dimensions around 17x14 inches, or 12 inches square.

What is a Cookie Sheet Used For?

Of course, cookie sheets are used for baking cookies, but that’s not their only use. They’re ideal for baking up a batch of biscuits or rolls as well. Essentially, anything that doesn’t involve liquid that could run off the flat edges can be baked on a cookie sheet. You can even use a cookie sheet as a pizza peel! The flat sides make it easy to slide the prepared pizza off onto a heated pizza stone or steel.

What’s the Difference Between a Cookie Sheet and a Baking Sheet?

Baking sheets are not the same as cookie sheets. Let’s compare.

What Is a Baking Sheet?

Also known as sheet pans, baking sheets have a raised and rolled lip around all four sides. This makes them a good choice if you’re roasting vegetables or meats, or for baking up a batch of brownies or a slab pie. However, they’re not as ideal for baking cookies, as the raised sides can make it more difficult to remove the baked cookies, and can interfere with even browning on the tops.

Baking sheet dimensions are pretty standard. A full sheet pan size is 18x26 inches, while a half sheet pan is 13x18 inches, and a quarter is 13x9 inches.

 

 

What’s the Best Material for a Cookie Sheet

As with all kitchenware, people tend to have their favorites. Let’s look at the various materials that cookie sheets are available in.

Nonstick

Nonstick cookie sheets are usually made of aluminum coated with a nonstick coating such as PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic polymer. While this does allow for easy removal of cookies after baking, the surface will become worn after regular use, leading to foods sticking. Your nonstick cookie sheets will need to be replaced every few years. There’s also the risk of toxic chemicals from the coating ending up in your food.

Aluminum

Aluminum is often touted as the best choice for cookie sheets, as it is the most efficient heat conductor, resulting in even temperatures across the entire surface. However, it is not recommended for use with acidic ingredients, and there is some evidence that aluminum exposure can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Stainless Steel

A good quality stainless steel cookie sheet is the best option for your home kitchen. While a single layer of stainless steel does not have the conductivity of aluminum, a cookie sheet with an inner layer of aluminum sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of surgical grade stainless steel will deliver superior heat distribution along with the safety of a non-toxic baking surface.

How to Keep Food From Sticking to Your Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet

You don’t have to worry about all foods sticking to your stainless steel cookie sheet, even without taking precautions. Recipes for shortbread cookies and biscuits, for instance, usually specify that you place them on an ungreased baking sheet. However, that’s not the case for all cookies or breads. Luckily, you have good options for keeping stuff from sticking.

Greasing the Pan

The classic way to prevent foods from sticking is, of course, by greasing your cookie sheet. Just dab a small quantity of butter or shortening on a paper towel, and spread a very thin layer evenly over the whole surface. Alternatively, you can use a cooking oil spray to add this layer.

Parchment Paper

Many cooks prefer to use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking. Simply tear off a length of parchment paper and lay it on the cookie sheet. You can even buy parchment paper with a printed grid designed specifically for cookie sheets  so that you will always get your spacing right.

Silicone Sheet

If you don’t want to keep throwing out used parchment paper, invest in a few silicone baking sheets for lining your cookie sheets. These will last for years and clean up easily after each use.  

Summing Up: Why A Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet is the Right Investment

Whether you’re concerned about safety, or are tired of having to replace bakeware every few years, or are simply looking for the best results in food preparation, a quality stainless steel cookie sheet can be guaranteed to deliver for you year after year!