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. These kitchen tools might be made from aluminum or stainless steel, some have a nonstick coating, and they all range in size.

Penny Stankiewicz is a chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.

To find the best cookie sheet for your home oven, we put multiple options to the test. We evaluated each option based on size, material, performance, value, and just how easy they were 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.

Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan at Amazon $29 $24 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Cookie Sheet at Williams Sonoma $35 Jump to Review Best Aluminum: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Nonstick: Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Sheet Set at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Textured: USA Pan Large Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheet at Amazon $29 Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall

　　 Chicago Metallic Commercial II Sheet Pan

$29 $24 at Amazon $28 at Wayfair $28 $24 at Walmart What’s Great About It Aluminized steel offers excellent heat conductivity

1-inch rim keeps crumbs from falling off the edge

Solid and sturdy

Easy to clean

What Could Be Better Only oven safe up to 450°F

When it comes to cookie sheets, you want something that will be versatile and perform well through a variety of tasks. This option from Chicago Metallic checks all the boxes. The cookie sheet is made from aluminized steel, meaning steel coated in aluminum, which makes it conduct heat more efficiently. During our testing, we noticed just how solid and sturdy these cookie sheets were right off the bat.

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, which is reinforced with a wire rod to prevent warping, especially came in handy while roasting vegetables on them. We also baked cookies and found that everything browned evenly thanks to the efficient heating of the aluminized steel.

While Chicago Metallic doesn’t advertise this cookie sheet as having a nonstick coating, we found that items still slid right off without any issues. Because of that, hand-washing was that much easier as well. These cookie sheets are dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to hand-wash them if possible to keep them in tip-top shape.

Material: Aluminized steel | Coating: None | Size: 15 x 10 inches | Care: Hand-wash recommended

　　 Best Splurge

　　 Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Nonstick Cookie Sheet

$35 at Williams Sonoma What’s Great About It Aluminized steel conducts heat well

Grip for easy moving in and out of oven

Signature nonstick coating for quick release

Made evenly browned cookies

What Could Be Better Only oven safe up to 450°F

For a beautiful look and design along with excellent performance, this option is worth the splurge. Made from aluminized steel, this cookie sheet conducts heat efficiently while providing the benefits of the Williams Sonoma signature Goldtouch nonstick coating, which is more resistant to abrasive materials and scratches. Plus, that gold coating makes the cookie sheets that much prettier in your kitchen.

We found that this cookie sheet delivered evenly baked and perfectly browned cookies that held their shape. The cookies lifted right off after baking, thanks to the excellent coating. We also love the small grip on one long edge, making it easier to transfer the cookie sheet in and out of the oven.

When it came time for clean-up after baking, hand-washing this cookie sheet was simple and quick. While you could place this cookie sheet in the dishwasher, hand-washing is still recommended to preserve it for use for years to come.

Material: Aluminized steel | Coating: Nonstick | Size: 18 x 14 inches | Care: Hand-wash recommended

　　 Best Aluminum

　　 Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet

$30 $28 at Amazon $28 at Wayfair View on Walmart What’s Great About It Aluminum construction conducts heat well and won’t rust

Lightweight and easy to handle

Reinforced 1-inch rim

Comes in pack of two

Backed by a lifetime warranty

What Could Be Better Acidic ingredients can cause discoloration on aluminum

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. While testing, we noticed just how easy to handle and relatively lightweight these cookie sheets were, while still delivering a sturdy base for making a variety of foods.

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. We found that cookies browned evenly as desired.  

The cookie sheets come 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, these cookie sheets are not dishwasher safe, but we didn’t have any issue with easy hand-washing after use.

Material: Aluminum | Coating: None | Size: 17.9 x 12.9 inches Care: Hand-wash recommended

　　 Best Nonstick

　　 Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Sheet Set

$25 at Amazon $25 at Wayfair $25 at Walmart What’s Great About It Textured surface for easy release

Handles make it easier to move in and out of oven

Even browning

What Could Be Better Sharp utensils can scratch the coating

If you’re 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 that’s not the case with this cookie sheet design. There’s no sliding of treats thanks to its design with raised circles on the surface. These raised circles provide extra grip while baking, but double to help release food easily once it’s baked. 

Throughout testing, we found that baking on these cookie sheets provided wonderful, even browning. Everything from cookies and croissants to roasted peanuts and potatoes were baked on them. The sturdy cookie sheets are designed with rims and handles on each side, making it that much easier to move them in and out of the oven no matter what you’re using them for.

For clean-up, it’s best to hand-wash these cookie sheets. While the brand does note that they are dishwasher safe, certain detergents can ruin the nonstick coating. During testing, we found it simple to do a quick hand-wash on each pan to help preserve their lifespan.

Material: Heavy-duty steel | Coating: Nonstick | Size: 15 x 10 and 13 x 9 inches | Care: Hand-wash recommended

　　 Best Textured

　　 USA Pan Large Nonstick Bakeware Cookie Sheet

$29 $28 at Amazon $34 at Walmart What’s Great About It Textured surface allows for easy release and increased airflow

Nonstick coating

Elevated rim for 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 exceptionally well. 

The fluted surface and nonstick coating make it so the cookie sheet isn’t slippery while providing airflow and allowing cookies to slide right off. Throughout testing, we found the nonstick coating to be very effective, making it easy for cookies to release and be transferred to a cooling rack in no time.

It has one raised edge for holding and can be used at temperatures up to 450°F. We baked one dozen chocolate chip cookies on this cookie sheet and found that they baked evenly without any issues. 

To best preserve the nonstick coating and design of this cookie sheet, it should not be used with metal utensils. While this cookie sheet should only be washed by hand, we found that it’s a quick and easy process with any residue coming right off without much need for scrubbing.

Material: Aluminized steel | Coating: Textured nonstick | Size: 18 x 14 inches | Care: Hand-wash only

　　 The Bottom Line

Our Best Overall pick, the Chicago Metallic Uncoated Jelly Roll Pan, is a great option for superior heat conductivity and even baking thanks to its aluminized steel construction. The rimmed edges also make it that much more versatile for both sweet and savory uses.

We love that our Best Textured pick, the USA Pan Bakeware Cookie Sheet, has a helpful fluted surface to promote airflow for even baking and quick release of foods.

For a cookie sheet worth the splurge, the Williams Sonoma Goldtouch Pro Cookie Sheet has a specialized nonstick coating to make it simpler to transfer foods off the surface while remaining durable for years of use.

　　 Our Testing Process

We put seven cookie sheet options to the test across a variety of sizes, designs, and price points. Each cookie sheet was used in our real-world home kitchens to bake everything from cookies and garlic bread to roasted peanuts, potatoes, and chicken.

Throughout testing, we baked 129 cookies over 28 hours of testing and documented important qualities of each cookie sheet, including how evenly cookies baked and how well items achieved a nice browning. 

Those cookie sheets that claimed to be nonstick were put to the test to note just how effective they were. All cookie sheets were tested without parchment paper or aluminum foil to truly get a feel for the surface.

After use, we evaluated just how simple it was to clean each cookie sheet. We followed the manufacturer’s instructions and washed cookie sheets in the dishwasher or by hand depending on the best care. We plan on checking back with testers after six months to see how they hold up over time.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Best Cookie Sheets  

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 square, and range in size from 10 by 15 inches to 14 by 16 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.

Although many cookie sheets are dishwasher safe, hand-washing will usually extend their lifespan, especially if they have a coating like the Circulon Total Bakeware Nonstick Cookie Sheets.

　　 More Cookie Sheets to Consider 

Rachael Ray Nonstick Cookie Sheet: 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. Through testing, we used it for cookies, along with fries and chicken. We also loved its nonstick coating for quick release and that it is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. 

However, we observed some staining and scratching during our two-week testing period, which makes us doubt the longevity of this cookie sheet.

We like the Rachael Ray Nonstick Cookie Sheet for its large handles and silicone grip. However, we observed some staining and scratching during our testing period.

　　 Questions and Answers

What is the difference between a cookie sheet and a baking sheet? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, much like the products themselves, cookie sheets and baking sheets (also called baking pans or sheet pans) are actually two different types of pans. Baking sheets 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 that rim, preventing 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. 

What do professional bakers use for baking sheets? According to Stankiewicz, professional bakers use sheet pans for baking cookies, like our Best Aluminum 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.”

　　 Why Trust Southern Living? 

This article was written by Molly Allen, a writer for Southern Living who specializes in food and shopping content. Molly is a former bakery owner turned professional baker and recipe developer. To find the best cookie sheets, we put baking sheets through a series of tests in our homes, assessing for baking performance, nonstick qualities, ease of cleanup, and durability. 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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