Cookie Sheets Light Vs. Dark

Cookie sheets come in light and dark materials and finishes.

Bakers of breads, cakes, pies and cookies normally have preferences of bake ware materials and finishes. Cookie sheet debates over whether light- or dark-colored varieties turn out the best cookies have lingered through the years.

Light-colored Cookie Sheets

Aluminum is a popular cookie sheet material. It is an excellent heat conductor and reflects heat well. The finish does not brown food well and, while that is a drawback for many baked goods, that feature makes it better for cookie baking as the cookies cook through without becoming overly browned on the bottom. Since light-colored pans tend to make foods stick, it is best to line the sheets with parchment paper.

Dark-colored Cookie Sheets

Dark-colored cookie sheets, whether lined or not with a non-stick material, provide a surface that easily releases baked cookies. However, since darker sheets absorb more heat, cookies tend to brown on the bottom faster than they bake through, resulting in cookies with overly brown or burnt bottoms.

Considerations

Whether choosing dark or light cookie sheets, lightweight metals are discouraged as they warp during baking. Picking sheets with low sides or no sides makes transferring cookie topped parchment paper easier. Cookie sheets with handles on both short ends make handling the sheets easier and safer.

References

• Cooks Illustrated: Cookie Sheets Light Vs. Dark