Bake beautiful cookies with the perfect cookie sheet.
One of the most essential pieces of equipment for a baker is a cookie sheet. But what kind of sheet is high quality and will last a LONG time? They come in different sizes, thicknesses, forms, and materials; how can you decide?
If you need a sturdy baking sheet for your cookies, you are not alone. I have spent so much unnecessary time and money trying to find a cookie sheet that will hold up for longer than a few months at a time before it starts to bend, warp, and darken from the heat of the oven.
Our Favorite: Vollrath 68085 Wear-Ever Cookie Sheet Pan. Find it at Amazon.
It got to the point where I finally decided to give up and simply put my cookie dough on aluminum foil and place that directly on the oven racks. Obviously, it resulted in horribly shaped cookies with wire prints from the oven rack and uneven hot spots on the bottom on the bottom.
Finally, I decided to shell out the money that I needed to so that I could get a cookie sheet that lasted. And to my surprise, it did the same thing as my cheap baking sheets. That is when I realized; it isn’t about the amount of money I spent, it was the material that the sheet was made of.
Do you have a convection oven? You may need a special type of cookie sheet for convection.
Of course, getting a cheap cookie sheet is probably an indication that the material it is made of is sub-par. So you would think the opposite would also be true.
I’ll let you in on a secret: It isn’t!!! The best aren’t always the most expensive.
When looking for a cookie sheet, you don’t really want a thin one. You want one that’s thick enough to transmit heat slowly so that your cookies don’t char on the bottom before they can brown on the top. They should be sturdy enough not to dent, bend, warp, or wobble after using them a few times.
You need to be mindful, also, that the one you finally choose fits your oven. The most common cooking sheet sizes include rectangular (9 x 13 inches), square and/or round (8- or 9- inch), loaf (9 x 5 inches), and pie (9- to 9 1/2- inches).
We found 10 of the most high quality cookie sheets for baking cookies on the market and tested each with some batches of cookies. Keep reading to find out which one sounds best for your cookie-making mania.
Cookie Sheets, Baking Sheets, Cookie Pans–Terminology
It’s logical that most people believe that a cookie sheet and a baking sheet are similar. But did you know that there is actually a significant difference between the two? A baking sheet has a more rimmed or rolled edge, while a cookie sheet does not.
Professional bakers usually prefer using a cookie sheet as it offers a larger capacity and lets you easily slide cookies off the pan. However, a cookie sheet is not suitable for any type of roasting, as juices will run off the edgeless pan (duh). Average home-bakers need a basic baking sheet for two main reasons: you can use it for anything, and it is spill-proof.
On the other hand, baking pans have a deeper and wider variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Baking pans can either be made of glass, stoneware, ceramic, silicone, or stainless steel. The most commonly used baking pan is metal-based, since it can be easily cleaned.
To sum it up simply: cookie sheets and baking sheets are shallow, while baking pans are much deeper.
What are the Different Sizes of Cookie Sheets? What Size is Best for Baking Cookies?
To help cooking professionals, the foodservice industry came up with a set of cookie sheet dimension standards. This way, you can easily look for the standard-sized one that fits your needs. Although there may be slight manufacturing variations from one sheet to another, they’re pretty negligible.
There are five standard cookie sheet sizes.
- Full Size: 18″ x 26″
- 2/3 Size: 16” x 22”
- 1/2 Size: 13” x 18”
- 1/4 Size: 9 1/2” x 13”
- 1/8 Size: 6 1/2″ x 9 1/2”
Among these standard sizes, the best cookie sheet size for baking cookies would be the 1/2 size, the 13″ x 18.” This cookie sheet is a great choice for half-size ovens, which most people typically have. Plus, it can fit easily in the dishwasher! However, you can opt for the 2/3 size if you wish to make larger numbers of cookies at once.
What is a Gauge? What Gauge is Best for Baking Cookies?
Sheet pans are available in several gauges. Gauges refer to the thickness of the metal.
When it comes to understanding gauges, here’s an easy rule to help you remember: the smaller the gauge is, the thicker the pan will be. Therefore, higher-gauged pans are more practical and economical, but they are not as durable and sturdy compared to lower-gauged pans.
The best choice for baking cookies is the 10- to 12- gauge cookie sheet.
The Best Overall Cookie Sheet
Vollrath 68085 Wear-Ever Cookie Sheet Pan
This is a beautiful cooking sheet that is made of heavy ten gauge aluminum and has two raised handles on the short ends of the cooking sheet. It is 17 inches by 13.7 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds.
Whether you are making cookies, vegetables, cinnamon rolls, or biscuits this is going to make the perfect version of whatever you are cooking. The heavy duty aluminum gives superior heat distribution (maybe the best of all the ones we are reviewing today), and because it is pretty thick, you will never have to worry about the pan warping in the oven.
It is very easy to clean, all it takes is a cloth and some water. If it does need to be washed, you can use soap and water, but do not put it in the dishwasher.
Should You Get This Pan?
This is our favorite of all the baking sheets we tried on the list. It doesn’t necessarily bake that much better than the other pans (although it does give the evenest heat distribution), but we just think the design cannot be beat.
The Best Evenly-Baking Cookie Sheet
Artisan Professional Classic Baking Sheet Pan
The Artisan pan is a half sheet, but it does offer the full sheet, quarter sheet, and toaster oven options.
You also can choose to get it in a full set, minus the toaster oven sheet. It is made with standard 18 gauge commercial grade aluminum.
This pan has excellent heat distribution and keeps hot spots at a minimum to keep the cookies flavor at a maximum. It is perfect for not just cookies but roasting vegetables or making homemade chips. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking large amounts or small amounts of food, this will work for you.
The high gauge aluminum makes sure that your pan doesn’t warp and bend after several uses and keeps the pan easy to clean. As with most aluminum products, you should only wash this pan by hand, so it stays it in great condition.
Should You Get This Pan?
This is a little bit more expensive than some of the others we tested on this list, but it doesn’t really offer any more benefits, at all. Still, it is a high-quality baking sheet that will get the job done.
You’ll also need a great mixing bowl for preparing your cookie dough.
The Best Natural Aluminum Cookie Sheet
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
This is a very generously priced product, but it is still thick enough to cook your sugary treats slowly, rather than burning the bottom while waiting for the top to finish. Because it is made of aluminum, it has superior heat conductivity (this is good for allowing the cookies to rise while baking).
It is made of pure aluminum, so it will never rust, giving the baking sheet lifetime durability. The encapsulated steel rim keeps the pan from warping and bending due to prolonged heat exposure. Also because it is made of aluminum it is very easy to clean (do not put in the dishwasher).
The pan itself is about 18 inches by 13 inches on the exterior and 16.5 inches by 11.4 inches on the interior.
Should you get this one?
This is a pretty good pan to be sure, it distributes heat evenly, it doesn’t bend from heat exposure, and it comes with a five-year limited warranty. But it can scratch easily if you use abrasive sponges to clean it.
The Best Aluminized Steel Holy Cookie Sheet
USA Pan Bakeware Heavy Duty Half Sheet, Warp Resistant Nonstick Baking Pan
This holy sheet is composed of heavy gauged aluminized steel with sturdy steel rods. This means it is durable enough to handle extremely high temperatures. This 17.25 x 12.25 x 1-inch heavy-duty half sheet pan allows bakers to experience the flawless creation of cookies, pizza, or fries, among others.
The pan itself is made of non-stick silicone, which helps you remove baked goods easily. Its ridged and unique texture allows for proper air circulation and even heat distribution.
Should You Get This Pan?
This aluminized steel holy sheet is a must-have. Besides it being nonstick, you can use this sheet pan for other recipes as well. It has extra wrap resistance due to its heavy-duty bar, too. Lastly, it has a nonstick coating that is easy to clean. However, this holy sheet only has a limited lifetime warranty if you encounter any issues with this commercial baker’s half-sheet.
The Best Carbon Steel Cookie Sheet
Nutrichef Kitchen Oven Baking Pans-Deluxe Nonstick Gray Coating Inside & Outside Carbon Steel Bakeware Set With Red Silicone Handles (3-Pieces), Black
This 3-piece nonstick cookware is a complete stylish set with three small, medium, and large cookie sheet pans with red silicone handles. These are made from carbon steel that prevents warping and ensures long-lasting quality over years of usage. A big plus is its nonstick coating that can easily release and toss food with a high-heat resistance feature.
Should You Get This Pan?
Yes, this set of oven baking pans are worth buying. The sheets have a high-quality nonstick coating that makes them durable and reliable. They are long-lasting, resist stains, and fit well in the oven, freezer, and fridge. Yes, this set is dishwasher safe, but if you wish to keep these pans in the best condition, we recommend you hand-wash them.
The Best Chicago Metallic Cookie Sheet
Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Small Cooking/Baking Sheet, 13.5-Inch-by-9.3-Inch
This Chicago Metallic nonstick cookie sheet is also a good choice for baking cookies, especially large batches. It features a silicon-based coating that helps you easily slide cookies or other food off the pan. Also, its heavy-duty aluminized steel construction allows top-quality heat conduction that results in baking goodies and treats evenly.
Should You Get This Pan?
Yes, this Chicago Metallic cooking sheet is a great addition to your kitchen. It has a wire rod feature that prevents the pan from warping. It has a nonstick coating, too, for easier baking and clean-up. Lastly, it can handle extreme temperatures. Although this Chicago metallic cookie sheet is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing it instead to keep its quality and lengthen its life.
The Best Aluminized Steel Cookie Sheet
Good Cook 5511 Aluminized Steel, Diamond-Infused Non-Stick Coated Textured Bakeware, Half Sheet, champagne pewter
This 18″ x 13″ x 1″ cooking sheet is made of durable aluminized steel with an 0.8mm gauge, offering high-quality baking for years and years without warping. This half-sheet pan is perfect for larger batches of cookies and other baked goods. It also allows for the proper airflow for baking due to its diamond-patterned surface.
Should You Get This Pan?
This aluminum commercial baker’s half sheet pan is a satisfying value. It has a scratch-resistant and nonstick coating, making it easier to remove baked goods and to clean. It’s also designed similarly to bakery-style edges, angled at 4 to 5 degrees to ensure that the food stays on the pan. Although this cookie sheet may be a bit heavy to carry, you should never say no to a durable aluminized steel that can be used for decades.
The Best Ceramic Coated Cookie Sheet
casaWare 2pc Ultimate Commercial Weight 15 x 10 x 1-Inch Cookie Sheet Set (Rose Gold Granite)
This set of two 15” x 10” cookie sheets with a 0.8mm gauge is both durable and heat-resistant. These pans will not peel or blister, even when exposed to extremely high temperatures. They also has cream and brown accents that make them not only good baking sheets but pretty ones, as well. This cookie sheet set has a ceramic coating made of inorganic materials.
Should You Get This Pan?
Yes, we recommend that you include this set of cookie sheets for your baking needs. Since they possess a ceramic coating, they’re guaranteed to be free from lead, cadmium, PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS. Food items can easily slide off after they’re cooked, making the pans easy to clean, as well. Finally, this set can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This set may be a bit more than others, especially if you only need one cookie sheet for your cookies, but it’s always best to have another cookie sheet ready, just in case.
The Best Rimless Cookie Sheet
Farberware Insulated Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Baking Sheet, 14 Inch x 16 Inch, Light Gray
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Save a huge amount of time when baking a large batch of cookies when you use this durable 14” x 16” top-quality, nonstick cookie sheet from Farberware. Besides being durable, it has a heavy gauge steel construction that avoids warping. This cookie sheet also features a two-level pan surface that allows heat to flow and circulate, resulting in even baking and browning of goodies.
Should You Get This Pan?
If you’re often making large cookie batches, this cookie sheet is your best bet. It’s nonstick with a rimless pan edge that lets you slide baked goods off easily and makes clean up as quick and easy as possible. This cookie sheet is also insulated, dispersing heat to bake food evenly. You can use it for recipes other than cookies, too. However, some customers complained that these pans did show signs of warping at higher temperatures.
The Best Jelly Roll Cookie Sheet
Norpro Jelly Roll Baking Sheet, Aluminum, 12 inches x 9 inches x 1 inches
If you’re looking for a high-quality baking sheet to bake the absolutely best cookies and other sweet treats, the Norpro jelly roll pan basically is your top choice. It has an even surface made with heavy gauge aluminum, which is great for both baking and reheating. The best part is that this jelly roll pan has a high rim on all sides to prevent possible spillage and mess.
Should You Get This Pan?
If you are a fan of producing jelly rolls and candies in addition to baking cookies, then you should give this jelly roll pan a chance. It’s made of high-quality and durable aluminized steel. It also has a tall edge all around to prevent spills and drips. Lastly, this jelly roll pan is dishwasher safe, but if you wish to extend the Norpro’s life, it’s best to hand wash it.
The Best AirBake Cookie Sheet
Good Cook 84802 AirBake Nonstick Cookie Sheet, 14 x 16 in Dark Non-stick
First things first. AirBake cookie sheets have insulators that improve baking performance, as they reduce the temperature of the pan. What does this mean? It means you can achieve moister baked goods, more even heat distribution, and fewer burnt sweet treats!
This AirBake cookie sheet allows for an improved baking process due to its insulated aluminum sheets and micro-dome technology. Both help in reducing your total time of baking up to 15% over traditional ones.
Should You Get This Pan?
This insulated bakeware has some great features that result in the best cookie batches with even baking–and no burnt cookies! It has a 10-year warranty to ensure peace of mind over the years. Plus, its nonstick finish means a quick and easy clean-up. Like others on this list, this cookie sheet is touted as dishwasher safe, but dishwasher detergents’ cleaning agents may damage the finish of the cookie sheet.
The Best Silicon Baking Mat for Cooking Sheet
Amazon Basics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat – Pack of 3
This 11.6″ x 16.5″ silicone baking mat is durable, flexible, and easy to clean. It’s also reusable and can be used with almost anything you’re baking, not just cookies. It can handle extreme temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it is the best and least messy alternative to spending more money on new baking sheets, as these can act as a band-aid for old, stained, warped cookie sheets.
Should You Get This Mat?
This half-size sheet silicone baking mat will definitely make baking cookies much easier. It’s affordable, plus you’ll be paying less at the store regularly for aluminum foil and parchment paper, as this reusable mat will take the place of those. This kitchen essential is made of a non-stick silicone material that prevents your precious baking sheets from being ruined. Cleaning this mat is hassle-free, too, as it’s dishwasher safe. The design may be too plain or basic for some, but this is a good bargain for those who can’t afford new cookie sheets right now or who want to protect more expensive ones.
Bake all kinds of cookies – from oatmeal to sugar to chocolate chip – on a sturdy baking sheet.
Wrap – Up
If you cook at all, especially if you bake, then a good quality cookie sheet is an absolute must. Cookie sheets help you make a delicious batch of evenly-baked cookies. Plus, a good baking sheet prevents cookies from burning and from having crispy edges and bottoms.
If none of these intrigue you, and you want to get a different one, that’s fine too. Just look for high gauge aluminum that will stand up to the heat. After all, the best cookie sheet is the one that meets your preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cooking sheets?
Since there are several quality cookie sheets in the industry, choosing the best cookie sheet among them is impossible. However, you can find the best from its different types, then you can choose among the best cookie sheets that work best for you. For the best natural aluminum baking sheet. For this, we recommend Nordic Ware. It is durable with superior heat conductivity. If you are a fan of carbon steel cookware, you can opt for Nutrichef Kitchen baking sheet. It prevents warping with a nonstick coating that could last for years of usage. Lastly, if you believe in what insulators can do, get the best AirBake cooking sheet, the Good Cook 84802.
What baking sheets do chefs use?
Professional baking and cooking experts use aluminized steel or aluminum baking sheets. In fact, it is the standard material preferred in the baking industry. Aluminized steel is made of steel substrate wrapped by aluminum. It is essential to note that steel is a great heat conductor, too. Bakers and chefs ensure that baking sheets are free from nontoxic and harmful chemicals. Stainless steel is used sometimes, but food items are observed to stick on this type of baking sheet.
What is the best sheet pan to buy?
We think the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum is the best all-around baking sheet pan. Meaning, it can be used for baking cookies and roasting meat and vegetables, too. It surely bakes food items evenly and remains to be sturdy despite high heat. This half-size sheet pan is made of aluminized steel, meaning it is durable and can last for years once maintained in great working condition. To do so, it is best to hand wash Nordic Ware even if it is noted to be dishwasher safe.
What is the healthiest baking sheet?
Before purchasing your baking essentials, you must understand the health risks of several bakeware types and find the safest for you. The healthiest bakeware or cookware is made of ceramic. Among the rest of the bakeware types, a ceramic baking sheet is surely non-toxic, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. However, it also has its set of disadvantages. Two of these include the fact that the ceramic baking sheet is not completely non-stick, and it costs a bit higher than others.
What is the best brand of baking sheets?
There are several baking sheets with different special features, forms, compositions, and range of prices. Yet, the best brand of baking sheet meets the three most important factors for people to remember. These include quality, price, and durability. Nordic Ware baking sheets hit these three. In fact, this brand is well-known for its affordable, practical, and durable kitchen essentials. You can be assured that Nordic Ware will be your baking best friend for the years to come.
Is a baking sheet the same as a cookie sheet?
Baking sheets and cookie sheets are both used interchangeably. They are both rectangular pans, and they serve a similar purpose. Yet, you should take note of their difference. Cookie sheets either have one raised edge or none at all to allow cookies to slide off easily. On the other hand, baking sheets have four one-inch raised edges which allow other food processes to be made, such as roasting. One thing is for sure, though, you can use cooking sheets and baking sheets for baking cookies and other delicious treats and goodies.
Additional Resources:
- YouTube: The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Cooking Channel: Tips for Baking Better Cookies
Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Brian L. and Boxer B.
David learned to cook at an early age after his mother told him that he couldn't live on pizza forever, Dave uses his modest kitchen skills to recreate sorely-missed recipes from home and to occasionally make new favorite ones from places he is visiting.