A cookie sheet is a flat and rectangular metal baking pan typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. It is designed for the purpose of baking cookies or other baked goods evenly and efficiently. The sheet features a flat bottom with raised edges on all four sides, serving to contain the dough or batter without allowing it to spill over. The raised edges also prevent any liquids or oils from dripping onto the oven floor, making it easier to clean.
Cookie sheets are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 13x9 inches to 18x13 inches, allowing for different batch sizes and accommodating different oven sizes. They can be lined with parchment paper, silicone baking mats, or greased with oil or butter to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the baked goods from the sheet.
Due to their flat and thin construction, cookie sheets effectively distribute heat evenly, allowing cookies to bake uniformly without burning or undercooking. They usually have a light-colored or non-stick surface, aiding in achieving an even browning of the cookies and ensuring easy release from the pan.
Apart from baking cookies, cookie sheets are also versatile for roasting vegetables, making granola, reheating leftovers, or toasting nuts. Their multipurpose nature makes them an essential tool in every baker's or home cook's kitchen.
The word "cookie" originated from the Dutch word "koekje", which means little cake. "Sheet" refers to a flat, rectangular piece or layer. So, when combined, "cookie sheet" literally means a flat, rectangular surface used for baking or making cookies.