Best Cookie Sheet for Convection Baking
When we cook or bake in a convection mode the heated air is circulated around the oven cooking the food from the edge to the center. When cookies are placed on a flat pan that has a slight lip on both or just one edge, the heated air can circulate unimpeded which ensures the cookies will bake evenly. The lip just guides the flow of the heated air.
If the cookies are baked on a rimmed baking pan the heated air has to pass through the rim before baking the cookies. The cookies will still bake but they may not bake quite as evenly and may take longer to bake. Here are some more tips to guide you to success when baking cookies in convection.
The Most Important Thing to Know About Baking in Convection
Always reduce the recipe temperature by 25 degrees when baking in convection, if your cookies have a dark ring around the edge, that indicates the temperature was too high.
Tips for Baking Great Cookies in Convection
When baking on multiple racks use the same type of pan on each rack.
Always check the oven manufacturer’s guide for recommendations for which rack position to use when baking on multiple racks. Rack positions can greatly influence the outcome of baking results especially in larger ovens.
Definitely use either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure evenly baked cookies.
Using parchment prevents cookies from spreading and also makes it easy to slide the cookies onto the cooling rack without having to pick them up. Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes on the baking pan to set then slide the sheet of parchment onto the rack with the cookies to cool.
Be sure to refrigerate cookie dough before baking or scoop and roll into balls and freeze until ready to bake. When baking frozen scooped cookies add a minute or two to the baking time.
Best Convection Mode for Baking Cookies
If your oven has a True Convection mode use that mode for baking multiple racks of cookies.
If your oven only has a Convection Bake mode you can still bake several trays at one time; however, be sure to check the manufacturers recommendation for the best rack position.
If using the traditional Bake mode to bake cookies, bake them on the center rack using the recipe temperature. Remember every oven is different and smaller ovens generally cook and bake faster than larger ovens so adjust the time as needed.
What to Avoid
Avoid using insulated cookie sheets when baking in convection, however insulated cookie sheets work well when baking in the traditional Bake mode.
Homemade cookies are the best because you have control over the ingredients that go into your cookies. Because cookies bake quickly, I highly recommend keeping a few bags of rolled cookies in the freezer so you always have a delicious treat on hand to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
