Cookie sheets are used for a wide variety of kitchen tasks, whether you’re baking a fresh batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookies, cooking a homemade pizza, or even roasting chicken and veggies.
“Items labeled as cookie sheets may come in all different shapes and materials and can lead to a lot of confusion about what the best option would be,” says Penny Stankiewicz, a chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. These kitchen tools might be made from aluminum or stainless steel, some have a nonstick coating, and they all range in size.
Meet The Expert Penny Stankiewicz is a chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
To find the best cookie sheets for your home oven, we evaluated options based on size, material, and just how easy they are to clean after use. The top picks stood out above the rest for great design, even heat distribution, quick and easy cleaning, and long-lasting quality.
What is the difference between a cookie sheet and a baking sheet? The terms are often used interchangeably, but cookie sheets and baking sheets are actually two different types of pans. Baking sheets (also called baking pans or sheet pans) have a rimmed edge, while cookie sheets are either entirely flat or have one raised edge and three flat edges. Baking sheets are more versatile because of their rim, which prevents everything from cookies to roasted vegetables from sliding off.
However, if you’re looking for something purely for baking cookies, a rimless cookie sheet makes it easy to slide the cookies off the pan and onto a cooling rack, and the lack of rim promotes airflow, making cookies bake faster. Our top picks feature a mix of both rimless cookie sheets and rimmed baking sheets.
Our Top Picks Best Overall Cookie Sheet: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Runner-Up: Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best Budget Cookie Sheet: GoodCook Baking Sheet at Amazon ($8) Jump to Review Best Nonstick Cookie Sheet: Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Sheet Set at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Cookie Sheet With Handles: Rachael Ray Cookie Sheet With Grips at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Large Cookie Sheet: Nordic Ware Naturals Big Sheet Pan at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Ceramic Cookie Sheet: Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Baking Sheet at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet: TeamFar Pure Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Set at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Textured Cookie Sheet: USA Pan Large Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheet at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best AirBake Cookie Sheet: T-fal AirBake Natural Aluminum Cookie Sheet at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review
Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet
View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Aluminum conducts heat well and won’t rust
Reinforced 1-inch rim
Light color prevents overbrowning
Made in the U.S.
What Could Be Better Hand-wash only
Everything from cookies and roasted carrots to swiss roll cakes and sheet-pan chicken can be prepared on this baking sheet. Constructed from pure aluminum and made in the United States, it is exceptional for heat conductivity. Its material also means it won’t rust and is resistant to scratches, and the light color prevents overbrowning on baked goods.
The half sheet is designed with a 1-inch rim, making it versatile enough for a wide range of uses, including keeping juices in while savory items are roasting. It comes in a two-pack, or you can choose from other options including a pack with a half sheet and smaller quarter sheet or a three-pack with multiple sizes.
To avoid discoloration, the baking sheet is not dishwasher safe, but it can be easily cleaned by hand or using parchment paper or a silicone mat. Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Size: 17.1 x 12.1 x 1 inches | Material: Aluminum | Care: Hand wash
Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan
View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Aluminized steel offers excellent heat conductivity
1-inch rim keeps crumbs from falling off the edge
Comes in a set of two
Dishwasher safe
What Could Be Better Only oven safe up to 450°F
These jelly roll pans come in a pack of two. They are made from aluminized steel, meaning steel coated in aluminum, giving them a higher heat resistance than regular steel and better heat conductivity.
The rectangular shape and design means they will fit in any home oven, with a 1-inch rim around the edges to hold items in place. That rim makes them helpful for a wide range of uses, whether you’re baking sweets or roasting savory items for dinner, and it’s reinforced with a wire-rod to prevent warping. While these baking sheets are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended.
Size: 17.75 x 13 x 1 inches | Material: Aluminized steel | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
GoodCook Baking Sheet
View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Michaels What’s Great About It Steel construction offers great heat conductivity at a lower price
Nonstick coating
Dishwasher safe
What Could Be Better Smaller size may prevent large-batch baking
Dark color can lead to overbrowning
This baking sheet from Goodcook is made from steel, making it durable and providing great heat distribution. At 13 by 9 inches, it is a bit smaller, so it won’t hold quite as many cookies at a time. However, that smaller size can be a bonus for those who are limited on storage or oven space.
It has a special nonstick coating which makes it simple to remove items but is also scratch-resistant to extend the life of the pan. It can also be placed straight in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Just keep in mind that the darker color can lead to overbrowning when baking cakes and cookies, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Size: 13 x 9 inches | Material: Nonstick-coated steel | Care: Dishwasher safe
Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Sheet Set
View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Nonstick coating
Textured surface for easy release
Handles make it easier to move in and out of oven
Dishwasher safe
What Could Be Better Sharp utensils can scratch the coating
For those looking for an excellent nonstick option, this set of two cookie sheets from Circulon is ideal. Nonstick coatings on baking sheets can often make for a slippery surface, but this pan is designed with raised circles on its surface. These raised circles provide extra grip while baking, but double to help release food easily once it’s baked.
The rimmed baking sheets are also designed with handles on each side, making it easier to move in and out of the oven. The baking sheets can quickly be placed straight into the dishwasher for cleanup, but it is recommended to wash them by hand to preserve their lifespan.
Size: 15 x 10 inches | Material: Nonstick-coated steel | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
Rachael Ray Cookie Sheet With Grips
View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Silicone handles provide a secure grip
Tall rim keeps contents contained
Nonstick coating
Dishwasher safe
What Could Be Better Heavy
Dark color may cause items to brown faster
It’s much easier to pull a sheet pan full of baked cookies out of the oven when it has handles. This cookie sheet is not only designed with large handles on both sides, but it also has silicone added for an even better grip.
The rim around this baking sheet is a bit taller than most other options at 1.5 inches, which makes it possible to hold a wider range of foods, especially while roasting vegetables or meats. It has a nonstick coating for quick release and is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. This pan does have a heavier construction and dark color, which can cause items to brown faster, so be sure to keep an eye on your baked goods to avoid burnt bottoms.
Size: 15 x 10 x 1.5 inches; 17 x 11 x 1.5 inches | Material: Nonstick-coated steel | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
Nordic Ware Naturals Big Sheet Pan
View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Food52 What’s Great About It Fits more than a standard half sheet
Light color for even browning
Excellent heat conductivity
Reinforced steel rim
What Could Be Better Washing in the dishwasher can cause discoloration
Nordic Ware’s Big Sheet is just a larger version of our Best Overall pick, the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet, which received our top spot due to its aluminum construction and excellent heat conductivity.
The Big Sheet is sized at 15 by 21 inches, making it a bit larger than a traditional half sheet (13 by 18 inches) to offer more space, while still being appropriately sized to fit in a standard oven. This allows you to prep a sheet pan dinner for a crowd or bake 15 cookies to a sheet, rather than the typical 12 to a sheet.
Use it with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and hand wash this baking sheet instead of placing it in the dishwasher to preserve its natural color.
Size: 21 x 15 x 1 inches | Material: Aluminum | Care: Hand wash
Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Baking Sheet
View On Amazon View On Target View On Carawayhome.com What’s Great About It Ceramic nonstick coating
Oven safe up to 550ºF
Multiple sizes
Nine exterior color options
What Could Be Better Hand-wash only
While nonstick baking sheets make releasing food and cleanup a breeze, they are usually made with a chemical coating. Caraway’s ceramic baking sheet changes that thanks to a mineral-based coating that is free of PTFE, PFOA, PFAS and heavy metals.
It is constructed with a base of aluminized steel and has a nonstick ceramic coating. The rimmed edges make it perfect for a variety of uses and it is impressively oven safe for temperatures up to 550ºF.
While this baking sheet is not dishwasher safe, its ceramic coating makes it easy to hand wash. It comes in both a medium and large size or in a set, and you can choose from nine different color options.
Size: 15 x 10 x 1 inches; 18 x 13 x 1 inches | Material: Ceramic-coated aluminized steel | Care: Hand wash
TeamFar Pure Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Set
View On Amazon What’s Great About It Non-reactive stainless steel can be used with acidic foods
Dishwasher safe
Rust resistant
Multiple sizes
What Could Be Better Thinner construction may warp
While stainless steel isn’t quite as heat conductive as aluminum or aluminized steel, it still has its benefits—but it all depends on what you plan to cook. This stainless steel cookie sheet may take longer to heat up and result in burnt cookie bottoms, depending on the recipe and bake time. However, it is an excellent option for roasting meats, vegetables, and other savory items because it’s non-reactive and can better handle acidic foods. The rimmed baking sheet is rust resistant and can be cleaned either in the dishwasher or by hand.
Size: 15.8 x 12 x 0.95 inches; 12.4 x 9.6 x 0.95 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Care: Dishwasher safe
USA Pan Large Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheet
View On Amazon View On Walmart What’s Great About It Textured surface for easy release and increased airflow
Nonstick coating
Elevated rim for safe handling
Light color prevents overbrowning
What Could Be Better Can’t be used with metal utensils or cleaned in the dishwasher
A cookie sheet with a textured design can promote even quicker and easier release of baked goods. This textured sheet from USA Pan is constructed from aluminized steel so it conducts heat well. The fluted surface makes it so the cookie sheet isn’t slippery, while providing airflow and allowing cookies to slide right off.
It has a raised edge for holding and can be used at temperatures up to 450ºF. To best preserve the nonstick coating and design of this cookie sheet, it should not be used with metal utensils and should be hand washed.
Size: 19 x 13.9 x 0.75 inches | Material: Nonstick aluminized steel | Care: Hand wash
T-fal AirBake Natural Aluminum Cookie Sheet
View On Amazon What’s Great About It Dual-layer design promotes airflow
Aluminum provides superior heat conductivity and retention
Set of two
Elevated rim for safe handling
What Could Be Better Only oven safe up to 400ºF
Hand-wash only
Aluminum is a superior material for constructing cookie sheets to provide great heat conductivity and retention. For perfectly chewy cookies with crispy edges, air flow is necessary as well. This aluminum AirBake cookie sheet is designed with two layers, which help to increase airflow and will help to prevent the bottoms of cookies from burning while the remainder of the dough bakes. It comes in a two-piece set so you can prep another batch for baking while one is in the oven. These cookie sheets are not coated and should be hand washed for best care.
Size: 16 x 14 inches | Material: Aluminum | Care: Hand wash
Great Jones Holy Sheet Pan
View On Greatjonesgoods.com What’s Great About It Nonstick ceramic coating available in five different colors
Aluminized steel construction
1-inch rim
Attractive enough to go from oven to table
What Could Be Better The bold colors make scratches more noticeable
Say goodbye to boring gray cookie sheets with this option from Great Jones. If you’re looking to curate your collection of bakeware, this baking sheet comes in five vibrant colors such as Raspberry, Broccoli, and Blueberry.
But the choice of hues isn’t the only quality making this a top pick. The sheet is made from aluminized steel with a nonstick coating for even baking and easy release. It has 1-inch rims around the edges so it can be used for making dinners and desserts. Because of its nonstick coating, it’s recommended not to use metal utensils and to hand wash this baking sheet.
Size: 18.5 x 13.5 x 1 inches | Material: Nonstick-coated aluminized steel | Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
Our Best Overall pick, the Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet, is a great option for superior heat conductivity and even baking. The baking sheet also comes in a wide variety of sizes to find the ideal fit for your needs. We love that our Runner-Up pick, the Chicago Metallic Uncoated Jelly Roll Pans, come in a set of two and has rimmed edges making it that much more versatile for both sweet and savory uses. Our Best Budget pick from Goodcook is a no-frills choice at a fraction of the cost. It comes in an easy-to-store size at 13 by 9 inches and has rimmed edges for a variety of uses.
Material Aluminum is typically the preferred choice when it comes to cookie sheets. The material has great heat conduction, meaning it heats up fast and cools down quickly after use. Aluminum is also lighter in color. “Generally speaking, darker cookie sheets will absorb more heat and lead to burning the bottoms of product before the tops or centers are fully baked,” says Stankiewicz. Steel is also great for heat conduction, but the material is more dense.
Coated vs. Uncoated It's also important to think about coated versus uncoated materials in choosing the best cookie sheet. Some may be treated with a nonstick coating which can be helpful for preventing items from sticking, but this can make them more difficult to care for, as you’ll likely need to avoid the dishwasher and metal utensils.
Stankiewicz also notes that some nonstick surfaces are slippery, which can cause cookies to spread and make it more difficult to control the final bake. Items that aren’t nonstick will need to be prepped before use by either greasing the cookie sheet or using parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Size and Type Finding the ideal size comes down to thinking about how you plan to use the cookie sheet. If you have a smaller oven, you’ll need to account for that. Rimmed cookie sheets, or baking sheets, come in several sizes:
Half Sheet (18 by 13 inches): The standard size for most home bakers
Quarter Sheet (13 by 9 inches): Perfect for smaller batches and toaster ovens
Jelly Roll Pan (15 by 10 inches): Made specifically for jelly roll cakes
Baking sheets may offer more versatility due to their design. The edge helps to prevent items from sliding off and provides a barrier for baking things such as jelly rolls. This edge can also help to keep liquid in when roasting vegetables.
Unrimmed cookie sheets, or those with one taller edge, are designed just for cookies or similar items such as meringues or choux pastry. The cookies can be easily slid off the sheet onto a cooling rack when holding the heightened edge, and the lack of rim all the way around can promote airflow, making cookies bake faster. They’re generally more square, and range in size from 15 by 10 inches to 16 by 14 inches.
Ease of Cleanup Consider whether the cookie sheet is dishwasher safe and whether it will fit in the dishwasher, or if it requires hand washing to extend its lifespan. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat will also help to make cleanup much simpler and keep your cookie sheets looking brand new.
What do professional bakers use for baking sheets? According to Stankiewicz, professional bakers use sheet pans for baking cookies, like our Best Overall pick from Nordic Ware. “They are generally made of aluminum and conduct and hold heat evenly,” she says. These baking sheets also typically have a rim around the edges, which prevents items from sliding off. Plus, the half sheet size will fit in most ovens. “They are reasonably priced and very long lasting,” adds Stankiewicz.
How often should you replace cookie sheets? Some cookie sheets can last a few years, while others will never need to be replaced. It all depends on the material, how often you use it, along with how well the cookie sheet is cared for. The sheet may eventually lose its shine, but it is possible to clean a burnt sheet pan.
Stankiewicz does note that nonstick cookie sheets have a more limited lifespan. “Many inexpensive nonstick surfaces can leech undesirable molecules into the food,” she says. “They require a special set of tools to avoid scratching, as well as extra care in cleaning and storage to avoid scratching. Scratched nonstick pans should be replaced.”
This article was written by Molly Allen, a food, lifestyle, and commerce writer. Molly is a former bakery owner turned professional baker and recipe developer. To find the best cookie sheets, Molly used her own knowledge from years spent baking in commercial and home kitchens, along with researching and including a number of brands she has tested first-hand and continues to use on a regular basis. For additional expert insight, we spoke to Penny Stankiewicz, a chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
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