Finding the Best Cookie Pan Set

While we call it a ‘cookie sheet’, these little requirements of the kitchen are used for far more  than just the cookies that we love. Also known as ‘baking sheets’ or ‘cookie pan sets’, they can  be the home for pizzas, hors d’oeuvres, the kid’s craft projects, and even as a holder for some of  the baked items so that there isn’t spillage in the oven. There is probably no other kitchen tool  that takes so much abuse, and because of that, they need to be the best. 

Anyone who has purchased the ‘cheap’ cookie sheets has quickly found out that it was a bad  investment. The first time that they are used the heat of the oven typically makes them warp.  That is usually followed by the fact that the cookies began to stick. Once you realized the  disaster and got the cookies off, you were left with a dark colored stain from any non-stick spray  and leftover cookies that even a diamond blade sander couldn’t remove. 

Once you have learned your lesson, you will not make that mistake again. The best cookie pan  sets will be made of sturdy steel and will not warp when placed in the oven. The next thing to  look for is to make sure they have a ‘lip’ that has an upward swing to keep anything from sliding  off during placement or removal from the oven. Nonstick surfaces will help in the cleaning as  well as keeping the foods from sticking, but you need to make sure it is a brand that does not  allow the nonstick surface to degrade over time. 

Cookie pan sets should clean up easily, but the back or underside is often overlooked. This can  lead to a buildup of discoloration and, while it isn’t visually seen, many cooks prefer that their  kitchenware is spotless. To clean the backside, you can use a product such as baking soda or ‘Bar  Keepers Friend’ and a nonabrasive cloth or sponge. It’s recommended that you ‘soak’ the  backside prior to trying to clean so that any buildup is removed nicely. The better sets will come  sparkling clean and look almost brand new.