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

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

(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\x22r26aad3a89c954c6d9b63b87fd8e023b0\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\x22rd3ef5782fd8b4ec8a8cb9824db06c1eb\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
This Is Why You Should Chill Your Cookie Dough Before BakingHow to Decorate Cookies | CraftyBaking | Formerly Baking911Baking Powder vs. Baking SodaNever Overbake a Cookie Again with These Pro Tips

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
A Simple Way to Make and Keep Cookies Super Soft

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\x22rcba7fb1706cd4988ae9f606f3595d09c\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\x22r4a7eb7b35cba4f8a8118d98cdfdd4f19\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 an enthusiast with a passion for baking and a deep understanding of the intricacies of using cookie sheets, I'm excited to share insights on the concepts mentioned in the article "Tips for Using Cookie Sheets" from Betty Crocker.

First and foremost, the article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right cookie sheet to ensure the best results for your holiday cookies. Here are the key concepts covered in the article:

  1. Choice of Cookie Sheet:

    • The article recommends opting for heavy-gauge, dull aluminum cookie sheets. These sheets promote even baking and prevent overbrowning.
    • It suggests investing in quality sheets with low sides or no sides at all, as high-sided sheets can affect the even browning of cookies.
    • Large cookie sheets (at least 15x12 inches) are recommended to provide ample space for cookies to spread out during baking.

  2. Cookie Sheets to Avoid:

    • Dark or non-stick pans are discouraged as they can absorb extra heat, leading to burnt or overbrowned cookies.
    • Shiny cookie sheets reflect heat, preventing even browning.
    • Thin cookie sheets are prone to warping, resulting in uneven heating.
    • Insulated cookie sheets may cause cookies to spread too much before the dough sets and can hinder browning.

  3. Greasing Cookie Sheets:

    • The article advises against greasing cookie sheets unless the recipe specifically calls for it. Extra grease can cause the cookie dough to spread excessively.

  4. Baking Multiple Batches:

    • Cookies should ideally be baked on the middle rack for even baking. If multiple sheets are used, they should not touch each other to avoid uneven baking.

  5. Cooling Between Batches:

    • It's recommended to wait until the cookie sheet is completely cool before reusing it. Residual heat can cause cookies to spread, affecting their thickness.

  6. Use of Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats:

    • Parchment paper and silicone mats are suggested for preventing discoloration of cookie sheets and facilitating the easy transfer of cookies to cooling racks.

  7. Terminology Clarification:

    • The article clarifies the terminology related to baking pans, including cookie sheets, baking sheets, baking pans, and cookie pans. These terms are used interchangeably to refer to flat or low-sided pans for baking cookies.

In summary, selecting the right cookie sheet, avoiding certain types, understanding proper greasing practices, and considering the use of parchment paper or silicone mats are crucial aspects for achieving the best results when baking holiday cookies. Happy baking!

Tips for Using Cookie Sheets (2024)
Top Articles
Simple Budgeting: The Easy 8 Step Process in Setting Up Your Budget
How to Invest and Make Money Daily: 9 Key Ideas & Strategies
Makeup Tips for Blonde & Light-Colored Eyebrows
Waxing vs threading - which one is better for your brows?
Latest Posts
The 6 Best Investments is 2024 for Long-Term Growth - Retire Before Dad
How To Evaluate a Stock Before Investing: 10 Stock Performance Indicators
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 5744

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.