What is the difference baking pan and a cookie sheet?

The main difference between a baking pan and a cookie sheet lies in their shape and intended use.

Baking Pans:

* Shape: Baking pans come in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, round, loaf, and even specialized shapes like bundt pans. This variety allows you to bake different types of foods, from cakes and brownies to loaves of bread and casseroles.

* Sides: They usually have sides, which help contain the batter or food during baking.

* Material: Baking pans are typically made of metal (often aluminum or stainless steel) and sometimes glass.

* Use: Designed for baking foods that need to hold their shape, like cakes, breads, and casseroles.

Cookie Sheets:

* Shape: Usually rectangular, flat, and shallow.

* Sides: Lack sides.

* Material: Made of metal (aluminum or stainless steel) or sometimes silicone.

* Use: Primarily for baking cookies and other thin, flat foods that don't need to rise or maintain a specific shape. They are also used for roasting vegetables, crisping up meats, and even as a surface for cooling baked goods.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Baking Pan | Cookie Sheet |

|---|---|---|

| Shape | Variety of shapes | Usually rectangular, flat |

| Sides | Yes | No |

| Material | Metal (aluminum, stainless steel), glass | Metal (aluminum, stainless steel), silicone |

| Use | Baking foods that need to hold their shape | Baking cookies, roasting vegetables, crisping meats, cooling baked goods |

In short, baking pans are more versatile and designed for a wider range of baked goods, while cookie sheets are primarily for flat and thin items.