Tips for Using Cookie Sheets (2024)

Table of Contents
Weekly Whisks What's the best cookie sheet to use? Cookie Sheets to Avoid—And Why Should I grease my cookie sheets? Can I bake more than one batch at a time? Do I need to cool a cookie sheet between batches? Why should I use parchment paper or silicone non-stick baking mats?

Weekly Whisks

  • Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding
  • Confetti Cake-Mix Cookies
  • Frosted Peppermint Brownies
  • Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ChannelLinks_8918a218-1030-4c2b-87de-605f1d7de656\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3afalse,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22None\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22rfade56b152534f3ab4686c5f19e87b0b\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fchannelLinks\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3anull\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ChannelLinks\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {}; var moduleName = 'channelLinks'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();

  • Save

  • Pinterest

  • Email

  • Facebook

  • Print

(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar_59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22rad49d8b5a94e4cc1b480b781f608b8e9\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2ffloatingActionToolbar\x2ffloatingActionToolbar_interop\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"contentId":"2a503864-9bcc-4851-9293-eb7d27a5fb73","toolbarSettings":{"id":"59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"namePassedToEvents":"ArticleStandardLongFormToolbar","buttons":[{"addFavoriteErrorMessage":"Sorry, something went wrong. Please save again.","removeFavoriteErrorMessage":"Error occurred while removing from favorites","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"isCurrentUserAnonymous":false,"isFavoriteItem":false,"id":"16a29701-2b75-4d9a-aa9c-860376da50d7","allowedForAnonymousUsers":false,"type":"Favorite","displayName":"Save","namePassedToEvents":"Favorite","cssClassName":"atButtonFavorite","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"pinterest","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","shareUrlFormat":"//pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url={0}","id":"c18cf08e-e436-4cd0-a180-1bafb15369a6","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Pinterest","namePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","cssClassName":"atButtonPinterest","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"templateId":"13bdd311-4300-4fb8-9d78-9cbaf98f5578","dialogHeading":"Email Article","emailCode":"BC_ContentEmail","dialogSettings":{"cancelButtonText":"Cancel","copyToSenderLabel":"Send a Copy to Myself","emailAddressesLabel":"* Email Address(es)","emailInstructionText":"Separate email addresses with commas","fromText":"From:","privacyPolicyText":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026copy;2023 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our \u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.generalmills.com/company/privacy-policies/privacy-policy-us\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 shape=\u0022rect\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","requiredFieldText":"* Required","sendButtonText":"Send","senderEmailAddressLabel":"* Your Email Address","senderFirstNameLabel":"* Your First Name","sendToText":"Send To:"},"id":"be9422a3-85a8-4c31-86f5-e171255bb89d","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Email","displayName":"Email","namePassedToEvents":"Email","cssClassName":"atButtonEmail","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"facebook","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Facebook","shareUrlFormat":"//facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u={0}","id":"6c3f442d-6ffe-460f-8360-b02b122d326c","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Facebook","namePassedToEvents":"Facebook","cssClassName":"atButtonFacebook","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"layoutParameter":"p%3d1","id":"de022929-4416-4bc9-ab3c-ae5711d562bf","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Print","displayName":"Print","namePassedToEvents":"Print","cssClassName":"atButtonPrint","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false}],"isSticky":true},"userSettings":{"isCurrentUserAnonymous":true,"isFavoriteItem":false},"pageAttributes":{"url":"https%3a%2f%2fwww.bettycrocker.com%2fhow-to%2ftipslibrary%2fbaking-tips%2ftips-for-using-cookie-sheets","contentId":"2a503864-9bcc-4851-9293-eb7d27a5fb73"},"recaptchaPublicKey":"6LfU_icUAAAAALSqSjRg5hqZwbPr1b8k-_80a_S_"}; var moduleName = 'actionToolbar'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();

See Also
Butter vs. Oil in BakingWhat is Cream of Tartar?Cookie Ingredients: The Way the Cookie CrumblesCut Out Cookies That Hold Their Shape (3 Secrets To Prevent Sugar Cookies From Spreading)

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Created February 23, 2017

Learn how to choose – and use – cookie sheets to help this year's holiday cookies be the best ever.

Tips for Using Cookie Sheets (5)

You've picked an amazing cookie recipe. You've purchased all the ingredients. You're ready to go, right? Maybe not. You may be surprised to learn that your cookie sheet can sabotage the quality of your cookies. So check out our tips for using cookie sheets to get the very best results.

What's the best cookie sheet to use?

Choose heavy-gauge, dull aluminum cookie sheets.
These cookie sheets (also known as baking pans) may cost a little more in the beginning. But they're worth the investment, because heavy cookie sheets with a dull finish promote even baking and prevent overbrowning. Planning to bake lots of cookies? Get three cookie sheets: one can be baking in the oven while another is cooling off and a third is being filled with raw dough.

Choose a cookie sheet with low sides.
Or choose one with no sides at all. Cookie sheets with high sides keep your cookies from browning evenly. If you already own such a pan, don't despair. Just turn it over. Bake your cookies on the pan's bottom.

See Also
Cookie Run Kingdom: How to Get Cookie Cutters

Choose a large cookie sheet.
We recommend buying a cookie sheet that is at least 15x12 inches. Why? Because cookies need room to spread out as they bake. Large cookie sheets let heat circulate around the dough and help prevent the cookies from connecting as they bake—which ruins their beautiful shapes.

Tip: For a huge selection of our hand-picked cookie sheets, check out the Betty Crocker Store.

Cookie Sheets to Avoid—And Why

Dark or Non-Stick Pans
Dark cookie sheets absorb extra heat – which causes cookies to burn or overbrown.

Shiny Cookie Sheets
Shiny cookie sheets reflect heat, which prevents cookies from browning evenly.

Thin Cookie Sheets
Thin cookie sheets can warp, which means they'll heat unevenly.

Insulated Cookie Sheets
Their insulating nature causes cookies to spread before the dough sets, which creates cookies with thin edges. Insulated cookie sheets also keep cookies from browning.

Should I grease my cookie sheets?

Unless the recipe tells you to grease the cookie sheet, resist the impulse. The extra grease causes cookie dough (which already contains a lot of fat) to spread. If you're concerned about cookies sticking, line the cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone non-stick mat.

Can I bake more than one batch at a time?

Cookies need to bake on the middle rack for even baking. If you can fit two pans on the middle rack without touching, you'll get the baking results you want. If you add additional sheets of cookies on higher or lower racks, they might bake unevenly. You may save some time, but the cookies will suffer.

Do I need to cool a cookie sheet between batches?

Yes, wait until the sheet is completely cool before reusing it. Even the slightest residual heat can cause cookies to spread, making them flatter than you may want. If you need your cookie sheet to cool quickly, try one of these tricks. Stick it in the refrigerator or outside in the cool air for about five minutes. Or, run cool water over the bottom of the pan to cool it while keeping the top dry.

Why should I use parchment paper or silicone non-stick baking mats?

Parchment paper and silicone mats extend the life of your cookie sheets by preventing discoloration. Both products also make it easier to transfer delicate holiday cookies to cooking racks. Just-baked cookies can be transferred to a cooling rack on the parchment paper or mats themselves. Once cool, the cookies easily release from both materials without a fight.

BTW: What's the difference between a cookie sheet, baking sheet, baking pan, and cookie pan?

Don't get confused by the terminology. All these terms refer to a flat or low-sided pan for baking cookies.

(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA_b9911a56-3a0d-4b1c-8521-df6c10ce048a\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22rd8f8cb453a16449199f976e024651640\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fprimaryColumn\x2finteropInlineNewsletterCta\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"unsubscribedNewsletters":[{"listId":"1e34a555-89d1-45f0-8f07-b3ae6b01c03c","thumbnailImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/Shared/myaccount/newsletters/BC_Thumb157x157.png?sc_lang=en","previewUrl":"https://morpheus3.idpk.net/email_sends/9111/preview","name":"Betty\u0027s Email","isPromo":false}],"settings":{"anonymousCopy":"Claim your FREE Betty Crocker digital holiday cookbook.​","anonymousDescriptionCopy":"Sign up for Betty emails and get a FREE digital cookbook with all the holiday staples you\u0027ll need to host a great gathering.​","anonymousThankYouCopy":"\u003cp\u003eThanks! Your first email is on its way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","anonymousThankYouDescriptionCopy":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow that you\u0026rsquo;re signed up, create an account on BettyCrocker.com to save your favorite recipes, learn more about special promotions and get inspired through Betty\u0026rsquo;s expert tips.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","anonymousButtonText":"Sign Up","anonymousEmailInvalidErrorText":"Please enter a valid email address.","anonymousSubscribeErrorText":"We encountered an error while signing you up. Please try again.","anonymousEmailAddressPlaceholderText":"Enter your email address","anonymousEmailAddressLabel":"Email Address","anonymousLegalCopy":"","requiredFieldText":"","standardSmallImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/BC/seasonal/2021_Christmas/ncta_bg.png","standardLargeImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/BC/seasonal/2021_Christmas/ncta_bg.png","backgroundColor":"#333333","accentColor":"","registrationUrl":"/register/reg-fp?RegAction=SUBSCRIBERUPGRADE\u0026esrc=11275\u0026returnUrl=%2fhow-to%2ftipslibrary%2fbaking-tips%2ftips-for-using-cookie-sheets","registrationLinkText":"Sign me up","enableExpandedFields":false,"hideForSessionCookieExpiration":0,"ctaType":"StandardAnonymous","location":"Inline","userState":"Anonymous","sourceCodeOverride":0}}; var moduleName = 'newsletterCta'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();

(function() { document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent_2a503864-9bcc-4851-9293-eb7d27a5fb73\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22r9b82b5a0d8f5491fb71baea05cae9f20\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fratingReview\x2finteropRatingReview\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ConsumerGeneratedContent\x22\x7d'); var configuration = {"loaderScript":"https://apps.bazaarvoice.com/deployments/bettycrocker/main_site/production/en_US/bv.js","type":"QuestionAndAnswer","language":"en","includeRatings":false}; var moduleName = 'consumerGeneratedContent'; var isVueModule = true; GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)});})();

As a seasoned baking enthusiast with a wealth of experience, let's delve into the essential concepts discussed in the article "Tips for Using Cookie Sheets" by Betty Crocker. I'll provide insights and additional information to complement the content.

  1. Choosing the Right Cookie Sheet:

    • The article recommends heavy-gauge, dull aluminum cookie sheets. This choice promotes even baking and prevents overbrowning.
    • Heavy-duty sheets are preferred for their durability and consistent heat distribution.

  2. Considerations for Cookie Sheet Design:

    • Opt for a cookie sheet with low sides or no sides at all to ensure even browning.
    • Large-sized sheets (at least 15x12 inches) are recommended to allow cookies room to spread and prevent them from connecting during baking.

  3. Cookie Sheets to Avoid:

    • Dark or non-stick pans absorb extra heat, leading to burned or overbrowned cookies.
    • Shiny cookie sheets reflect heat, causing uneven browning.
    • Thin cookie sheets may warp and heat unevenly.
    • Insulated cookie sheets can cause cookies to spread excessively before setting, resulting in thin edges.

  4. Greasing Cookie Sheets:

    • The article advises against greasing the cookie sheet unless the recipe specifically calls for it.
    • Excessive grease can cause the cookie dough, already containing fat, to spread more than desired.

  5. Baking Multiple Batches:

    • Cookies should bake on the middle rack for even results.
    • It's possible to bake multiple batches simultaneously if they can fit on the middle rack without touching.

  6. Cooling Between Batches:

    • It's crucial to allow the cookie sheet to cool completely between batches.
    • Residual heat can cause cookies to spread too much, resulting in undesirable flatness.

  7. Use of Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats:

    • Parchment paper and silicone non-stick baking mats are recommended for preventing discoloration of cookie sheets.
    • They facilitate easy transfer of delicate cookies to cooling racks.

  8. Terminology Clarification:

    • The article clarifies terms such as cookie sheet, baking sheet, baking pan, and cookie pan, emphasizing their interchangeable use for flat or low-sided pans for baking cookies.

By following these tips, bakers can optimize their cookie sheets and elevate the quality of their holiday cookies. Whether you're a novice or an experienced baker, these insights contribute to the success of your baking endeavors.

Tips for Using Cookie Sheets (2024)
Top Articles
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
5 best team comps for Hu Tao in Genshin Impact
Puppies for Sale near Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA, Page 1 (10 per page) - Puppyfinder.com
Application Instructions | Department of Mathematics
Mark Zuckerberg is quietly sitting on a shopping empire with 4 times the customers of Amazon, as Facebook Marketplace skyrockets
Melissa Debling Website
Deleon Malik Taylor-Griffin
Orioles prospect Coby Mayo rejoins Triple-A Norfolk and picks up ‘where he left off’
17 Best Things to Do in Lincoln, NE (for 2024)
Fairfield Craigslist Pets
Newburyport/Rockport Line | Commuter Rail
Directions | Encore Boston Harbor
Latest Posts
Plant Fall Veggies Right Now
Know Your Finishing Spray - FloraLife
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 6158

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.