Is It Called A Cookie Sheet Or Cooking Sheet

Plus, it turns out there are actually quite a few different kinds of these sheets available—so you’ll want to choose one specifically designed for whatever it is you’re popping into the oven (say, a batch of ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies). Keep reading to learn more about these various kitchen staples, find out if it’s called a cookie sheet or a cooking sheet (and how it compares to a baking sheet) and get shoppable picks for the best options from people who bake for a living. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

The moment of truth. Dun, dun, dun… It’s a cookie sheet! And while a cookie sheet can be referred to by a few different names, “cooking sheet,” is not usually one of them. “Typically this item is known as a baking tray, sheet pan or cookie sheet,” explains Jasmine Mitchell, a Michigan-based pastry chef with a popular Instagram account where she shares dessert recipes. Now, it’s important to note that even though these names are often used interchangeably, there are actually some subtle differences between cookie sheets and sheet pans (also commonly known as baking sheets).

“A cookie sheet is a flat metal tray that is used to bake cookies,” says Jarquin. So basically, it’s called a cookie sheet because it’s specifically designed for baking cookies!

“Sheet pans have a raised edge, and cookie sheets are flatter, thus allowing for more surface space to bake cookies,” says Yesenia Jarquin, executive pastry chef at Centrolina and Piccolina in Washington, D.C. “This also allows for you to slide the cookies off the pan easily.” Both can be used for baking cookies, but just know that a flatter sheet allows for the best air circulation.

Most obviously, a cookie sheet is used for baking cookies. But a cookie sheet has other purposes too. A flat baking tray can also be used to make things like pastries, pizzas or rolls, says Cristie Besu, CEO and founder of Eat Me Guilt Free, a line of high-protein brownies and other sweet treats. Dorothy Kern, baking expert and author of Crazy for Cookies, Brownies & Bars, adds that cookie sheets are also great for making candy or roasting vegetables.

A cookie sheet with sides is commonly known as a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan. “Sides and size are what differentiates a cookie sheet and a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan,” explains Kern. “Jelly roll pans are often standard in size while cookie sheets come in all sizes with or without sides.” Typically, a rimmed baking sheet has a rim that’s one inch, says Mitchell. “If you’re baking a treat that releases juice or liquid as it bakes, this would be the pan to use,” she adds.

How To Clean a Baking Sheet

Wondering how to clean a baking sheet? It’s easy! Rinse it off with a little baking soda, soap and water, then let your cooking sheet air dry, suggests Mitchell.

Now that you know the differences between all the most common tray varieties, it’s time to get shopping! Our baking experts share their top picks below.

Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Half Sheet, $44.95 at Williams Sonoma

Looking for a Williams Sonoma cookie sheet? This one is a favorite of Besu. “It’s super durable and easy to clean,” she says. It’s made from commercial-grade aluminized steel that quickly and evenly distributes heat for perfectly baked cookies or roasted vegetables every time. Plus, the nonstick coating ensures easy cleanup. Bonus: It comes with a cooling rack! Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Half Sheet, $44.95 at Williams Sonoma

Kern’s favorite cookie sheet is this extra-large option that clocks in at 12 x 17 inches. This bargain pick is made from warp-resistant textured steel, has a nonstick coating and can be used for baking cookies or roasting vegetables. Jumbo Cookie Sheet, $8 at Target Next up: ‘I Was Skeptical of the Always Pan, But It Really Is Worth It—Here’s Why’

Sources

Jasmine Mitchell, a Michigan-based pastry chef with a popular Instagram account where she shares dessert recipesYesenia Jarquin, executive pastry chef at Centrolina and Piccolina in Washington, D.C.Cristie Besu, CEO and founder of Eat Me Guilt Free, a line of high-protein brownies and other sweet treatsDorothy Kern, baking expert and author of Crazy for Cookies, Brownies & Bars Is It Called a Cookie Sheet or Cooking Sheet - 6