cookie sheet

A cookie sheet, also known as a baking sheet or bake pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking. Typically made of aluminum, steel, or silicone-coated materials, it features low or no sides to allow even heat circulation and ease of access to baked goods. Cookie sheets vary in size—standard American dimensions are approximately 13 by 9 inches or 15 by 10 inches—and thickness affects heat distribution and browning characteristics. Professional bakers prefer heavier-gauge sheets that resist warping, while thin sheets may cause uneven baking or burnt bottoms.

Cookie sheets are the primary tool for baking cookies, pastries, and other flat baked goods requiring direct heat from below and above. They are used for drop cookies, sliced cookies, piped cookies, and any dough spread across a flat surface. Beyond sweet applications, bakers use them for roasting vegetables, baking savory crackers, and toasting nuts or breadcrumbs. Proper placement in the oven—typically centered on the middle rack for even browning—and rotating sheets halfway through baking ensures uniform results. Lining with parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevents sticking and allows for easy removal.