When baking cookies at home, the most commonly used pans are baking sheets or cookie sheets. These pans are typically made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Both materials conduct heat well and provide even baking, resulting in nicely browned and evenly cooked cookies.
Aluminum pans are lightweight, affordable, and heat up quickly, making them a popular choice for baking cookies. Stainless steel pans are more durable and resistant to staining, but they may take slightly longer to heat up.
For making small batches of cookies at home without spending too much money on equipment, a standard half-sheet baking pan is usually ideal. It measures approximately 13 x 18 inches (33 x 46 cm). This size allows you to bake multiple cookies at once while still fitting in most home ovens.
If you prefer making even smaller batches or have a smaller oven, you can opt for a quarter-sheet pan, which measures around 9 x 13 inches (23 x 33 cm). This size is suitable for baking a dozen or so cookies at a time.
Remember, it's important to choose pans with a rim or edges to prevent cookies from sliding off while baking. Additionally, using parchment paper or silicone baking mats on the pans can help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.