Are you trying to decide between a baking pan and a cookie sheet? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this decision, as it can be difficult to know which one is best for your baking needs.
As a professional baker, I’ve used both baking pans and cookie sheets for a variety of recipes. In this blog post, I’ll compare the features of baking sheets and cookie sheets to help you make an informed decision. You’ll learn the benefits of each and discover which one is best for your baking needs. So keep reading to find out more!
Table of Contents
What is a Baking Pan?
Baking pans, also known as sheet pans and jelly roll pans, are flat pans with a one-inch high edge around the entire pan. These baking pans are perfect for baking a loose batter, keeping toppings and crumbs from falling off the edge, and roasting vegetables.
Baking pans come in several different sizes, including full sheet (26″”x18″”), half sheet (18″”x13″”), quarter sheet (13″” x 9″”), and jelly roll pan (15″”x10″”). They are probably one of the most well-used pans in any kitchen, starting out in restaurants and quickly making the jump into home kitchens.
Pros
- Keeps juices and liquids in the pan
- Helps trap smaller vegetables and cubes of meat
- Fits in standard ovens and countertop ovens
- Perfect for personal baking or smaller batches of a recipe
- Minimal edges to easily slide cookies off the baking pan without breaking the cookie
- Air can flow better, creating more consistency and preventing crisp edges or excessive browning
- Bent lip on one side, making it easy to grab with potholders
- Insulated, meaning two layers of metal with a gap in between
Cons
- Not ideal for large batches of cookies or other baked goods as the edges are too small for multiple trays to fit in the oven at once.
- Can be difficult to clean due to its size.
| Feature | Baking Pans | Cookie Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps juices and liquids in the pan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Helps trap smaller vegetables and cubes of meat | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fits in standard ovens and countertop ovens | ✅ | ✅ |
| Perfect for personal baking or smaller batches of a recipe | ✅ | ❌ |
| Minimal edges to easily slide cookies off the baking pan without breaking the cookie | ✅ | ❌ |
| Air can flow better, creating more consistency and preventing crisp edges or excessive browning | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bent lip on one side, making it easy to grab with potholders | ✅ | ❌ |
| Insulated, meaning two layers of metal with a gap in between | ✅ | ❌ |
What is a Cookie Sheet?
Cookie sheets are designed for baking cookies, with minimal edges to easily slide cookies off the baking pan without breaking the cookie. Compared to baking pans, these pans have more limitations due to the surface being entirely flat. Air can flow better, which creates more consistency and can help prevent crisp edges or excessive browning. Some may have a bent lip on one side, making it easy to grab with potholders. Some are insulated, meaning there are two layers of metal with a gap in-between.
Pros
- Minimal edges to easily slide cookies off the baking pan without breaking the cookie
- Air can flow better, creating more consistency and preventing crisp edges or excessive browning
- Bent lip on one side, making it easy to grab with potholders
- Insulated, meaning two layers of metal with a gap in between
- Hot oven air is better able to circulate around the cookies, cooking them more evenly and quickly
Cons
- More limitations than baking pans due to the surface being entirely flat
- Does not keep juices and liquids in the pan
- Does not help trap smaller vegetables and cubes of meat
- May need 30 seconds to a minute longer in the oven than a rimmed baking sheet
Baking Pans vs Cookie Sheets: Features Compared
When it comes to baking, both baking pans and cookie sheets have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at how they compare when it comes to features.
Keeps Juices and Liquids in the Pan
Baking pans are designed with a one-inch high edge around the entire pan, which helps keep juices and liquids from spilling over the sides. This makes them great for baking a loose batter, keeping toppings and crumbs from falling off the edge, and roasting vegetables. On the other hand, cookie sheets are designed with minimal edges, so they don’t provide the same level of protection against spills.
Helps Trap Smaller Vegetables and Cubes of Meat
Baking pans are also great for trapping smaller vegetables and cubes of meat, as the edges help keep them in place. Cookie sheets, on the other hand, have no edges, so they don’t provide the same level of protection against smaller items falling off the pan.
Fits in Standard Ovens and Countertop Ovens
Baking pans come in several different sizes, including full sheet (26″”x18″”), half sheet (18″”x13″”), quarter sheet (13″” x 9″”), and jelly roll pan (15″”x10″”), so they fit in most standard ovens and countertop ovens. Cookie sheets are usually one size (15″”x10″”), so they may not fit in all ovens or countertop ovens.
Perfect for Personal Baking or Smaller Batches of a Recipe
Baking pans are perfect for personal baking or smaller batches of a recipe, as you can use any size that fits your needs. Cookie sheets, on the other hand, are designed for baking cookies, so they are limited to one size (15″”x10″”).
Minimal Edges to Easily Slide Cookies Off the Baking Pan Without Breaking the Cookie
Cookie sheets feature minimal edges, which makes it easy to slide cookies off without breaking them. Baking pans have a one-inch high edge around the entire pan, so they may be more difficult to slide cookies off without breaking them.
Air Can Flow Better, Creating More Consistency and Preventing Crisp Edges or Excessive Browning
Cookie sheets have a flat surface with minimal edges, which allows air to flow better and creates more consistency when baking cookies. This helps prevent crisp edges or excessive browning. Baking pans have edges around the entire pan, which may inhibit air flow and cause uneven baking or browning.
Bent Lip on One Side, Making It Easy to Grab with Potholders
Some cookie sheets have a bent lip on one side which makes it easy to grab with potholders. Baking pans do not have this feature.
Insulated, Meaning Two Layers of Metal with a Gap In Between
Some cookie sheets are insulated, meaning there are two layers of metal with a gap in between. This helps keep heat from transferring too quickly from the bottom of the cookie sheet to the top. Baking pans do not have this feature.
You may like to know about Difference between Sauce pan and Saute pan.
Final Verdict:
When it comes to features, baking pans and cookie sheets offer different advantages depending on what you’re looking for. For keeping juices and liquids in the pan, trapping smaller vegetables and cubes of meat, fitting in standard ovens and countertop ovens, and perfect for personal baking or smaller batches of a recipe; baking pans are the clear winner. If you’re looking for minimal edges to easily slide cookies off without breaking them, air that can flow better creating more consistency and preventing crisp edges or excessive browning, a bent lip on one side making it easy to grab with potholders; then cookie sheets are your best bet.
