Wait, Is It a 'Cookie Sheet' or a 'Cooking Sheet'? You Might Be Calling It the Wrong Term

Christina Heiser
·6 min read
2

Plus, how is it different from a baking sheet?

When it comes to cooking and baking, using the right tools can make or break your recipe. But one of those tools has us all baffled—is it called a cookie sheet or a 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. 

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Is It a Cookie Sheet or a Cooking Sheet?

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).

Why Is It Called a Cookie Sheet?

“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!

Related: This Easy 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Dip Is Love at First Bite

What Is the Difference Between a Cookie Sheet and a Sheet Pan (or Baking Sheet)?

“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.

What Is a Cookie Sheet Used For?

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.

Related: Iced Oatmeal Cookies (Just Like Archway's!) Are a Decadent Dream

What Is a Cookie Sheet With Sides Called?

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.

Related: The Original Palmer House Chocolate Fudge Brownie Recipe Is 129 Years Old and Never Tasted Better

The Best Cookie Sheets, Baking Sheets and More

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.

Nordic Ware Baking Sheet, $15.29 on Amazon

A favorite of Mitchell’s, the Nordic Ware Baking Sheet is made from premium aluminum that won’t rust and can be used to bake cookies or make sheet pan dinners. It’s extra large in size, so it holds more food than a standard baking sheet. Plus, the reinforced rim puts the kibosh on warping. Nordic Ware Baking Sheet, $15.29 on Amazon

Nordic Ware 3-Piece Baker’s Delight Set, $33.79 on Amazon

Jarquin is also a fan of Nordic Ware’s aluminum baking and cookie sheets. She recommends this three-piece Nordic Ware baking sheet set. It includes a quarter sheet, half sheet and jelly roll pan so you can cook and bake to your heart’s content. Nordic Ware 3-Piece Baker’s Delight Set, $33.79 on Amazon

Half Sheet Pan, $23.95 on Amazon

Jarquin also likes this half-sheet pan, which can be used for everything from baking cookies to roasting veggies. Made out of heavy-gauge aluminized steel, it has a corrugated surface to improve air circulation for evenly-cooked baked goods. It also features a nonstick coating so food slides easily off the tray when it’s done. Half Sheet Pan, $23.95 on Amazon

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

Jumbo Cookie Sheet, $8 at Target

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

Nonstick Large Baking Sheet, $17.99 on Amazon

If you’re looking for a nonstick baking sheet, this extra-large option gets high marks from Kern. It features a silicone-infused nonstick coating that adds durability and ensures easy release of cookies and other foods as well as quick cleanup. It also has oversized handles, which give you a better grip. Nonstick Large Baking Sheet, $17.99 on Amazon

Next up: 'I Was Skeptical of the Always Pan, But It Really Is Worth It—Here’s Why'

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