The Difference Between Jelly Roll Pans, Baking Sheets, and Cookie Sheets

Many people often confuse jelly roll pans, cookie sheets, and baking sheets due to their similar appearance and because some recipes use these terms interchangeably. However, it's important to know the subtleties involved in these pans, as the wrong pan can affect product quality and even cause spills in the oven. While all three are common in commercial kitchens and bakeries, a few simple distinctions can help you figure out which one best suits your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Jelly roll pans, baking sheets, and cookie sheets look similar but serve different purposes
• Jelly roll pans have shallow 1-inch sides that contain batter, making them ideal for cakes, brownies, and bar cookies
• Baking sheets (sheet pans) feature rimmed edges and heavy-duty construction for roasting and general baking
• Cookie sheets have open sides that promote airflow, helping cookies bake and brown properly
• Commercial kitchens, bakeries, and catering operations may use all three pan types for different production needs

What Is a Baking Sheet?

Baking sheets, also called sheet pans, are flat, shallow, rectangular pans used for baking a wide range of products, from cookies to dinner rolls. These pans are built with low sides that enable heat and air to circulate efficiently, which is ideal for items that don't contain runny batters. They come in both solid and perforated designs, so they can also be used for even browning.

Baking Sheet Sizes

What Is a Jelly Roll Pan?

A jelly roll pan is a shallow, rimmed baking pan typically measuring about 1 inch deep. This design contains thin batters, enables use with layered baked goods to prevent spills, and ensures even baking. Common uses for jelly roll pans include:

• Jelly rolls
• Sheet cakes
• Brownies
• Bar cookies

Jelly Roll Pan Sizes

Choosing a Jelly Roll Pan Substitute

Jelly roll pans are similar to sheet pans, but the slightly larger surface area of a half-size pan can cause jelly roll batter to spread too thin and crack when rolled. Because most recipes are designed to fill the pan nearly to the top, using the wrong size can lead to overflow. A jelly roll pan will always produce the best results, but several alternatives can do in a pinch:

• Quarter Sheet Pan (9 x 13 in.) – This is the closest size match to a small jelly roll pan. The cake will be slightly thicker, but it will still roll well with careful handling.
• Half Sheet Pan (13 x 18 in.) – It can work, but the batter will spread more thinly and may be prone to cracking when rolled. Lining with parchment and rolling gently can help minimize breakage.
• 10- x 15-in. Rimmed Baking Pan – Many rimmed pans not labeled as jelly roll pans still match the standard jelly roll size. A 1-inch-deep pan is usually suitable.
• Lasagna Pan or Shallow Rectangular Casserole Dish – This works only if the interior dimensions match a jelly roll pan's footprint. The higher sides won’t affect baking, but they can make rolling more difficult.
• Brownie Pan (for mini rolls) – A small 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 pan can produce a thicker sponge that can be cut and rolled into smaller individual jelly rolls rather than one full-size roll.

Jelly Roll Pan vs. Baking Sheet

A jelly roll pan is a specific type of baking sheet featuring a rimmed, shallow form designed to produce a thin, flexible cake. Its smaller footprint and 1-inch-deep sides help batter bake evenly into a soft, uniform sheet.

Key Comparisons:

• Size and Shape: Jelly roll pans are smaller in length and width than standard baking sheets.
• Side Depth: Jelly roll pans have 1-inch rimmed sides, while baking sheets vary or may be rimless.
• Intended Use: Jelly roll pans are made for thin, flexible cakes, while baking sheets are used for general baking and roasting.

What Is a Cookie Sheet?

A cookie sheet is a flat, rimless baking pan designed to maximize airflow and even browning. Their open sides let cookies slide off the pan easily, helping prevent over-baked bottoms.

Best Uses:

• Cookies and biscuits
• Garlic bread and rolls
• Crisping items that benefit from strong airflow

Cookie Sheet Sizes

Baking Sheet vs. Cookie Sheet

Cookie sheets are a subcategory of baking sheets with some designs overlapping in style and function. All baking sheets can serve as cookie sheets, but not all cookie sheets are suited for general baking tasks.

Key Comparisons:

• Design: Cookie sheets are often rimless for better airflow, while baking sheets have raised edges that contain food and liquids.
• Versatility: All baking sheets can be used to bake cookies, but rimless cookie sheets aren't always suited for general baking tasks.
• Category: Every baking sheet can act as a cookie sheet, but not every cookie sheet can be used as a general baking sheet.

Different Types of Cookie Sheets

Cookie sheets are rimless to maximize airflow and promote even browning. These pieces come in the same standard sizes as sheet pans. Choosing the right size depends on oven dimensions and production volume. Cookie sheets can be solid or have perforated bottoms.

Key Features:

• Typically rimless for improved airflow and browning
• Available in standard sheet pan sizes (full, half, quarter, etc.)
• Can be solid or perforated
• Some include one or two rims for easy lifting and handling

Shop Jelly Roll Pans, Baking Sheets, & Cookie Sheets Made for Commercial Kitchens

Each of these pan types offers unique advantages, so the right choice depends on what you're baking, the oven you're using, and your production volume. Smaller operations may only need a few versatile baking sheets, while high-volume operations, like bakeries, may benefit from stocking multiple types of baking pans. Shop KaTom to fully outfit your operation with the pans that best fit your kitchen.