One of the hottest trends in baking is the insulated cookie sheet. These sheets are more durable and make baking easier with less chance of burning. But beware. There are some things you must know about the difference between baking with the insulated cookie sheets, and baking with traditional ones.
Instructions
1. Know what you should and shouldn't bake on these sheets. First and foremost, the insulated sheets are not for every job. While baking breads like focaccia and baguettes and making pizzas are perfect for non-insulated sheets, they don't work quite as well on the insulated cookie sheets. That is because for those breads and bread-related baked items, you want a crisp doneness that is difficult to achieve with an insulated cookie sheet. While it is harder to burn a recipe on an insulated sheet, it is also harder to get something crisp, like the crust of bread. The best items for baking on an insulated sheet are more delicate pieces like lace cookies, hard meringues and shortbread. These items require a steady temperature and burn easily; they need all the help they can get from getting too crisp.
2. Adjust cooking time. Whenever you bake with an insulated cookie sheet, your recipe will always take longer to cook. It may take some experimentation at first. Ovens are temperamental and actual temperature varies in each one. You can determine your oven's temperature by investing in a thermometer made for that purpose, or experiment with batches. Do some test batches of your favorite cookie before you prepare them for the big party.
3. Know your oven size before purchasing an insulated cookie sheet. The simplest mistake to avoid is buying the wrong size cookie sheet. Many housewares stores carry commercial size cookie sheets that are used by professionals in restaurant kitchens. These will not fit your small home oven. Measure the width and depth of your oven before you buy.
4. Do not use the insulated cookie sheet to store items in the freezer. Many people who have large basement freezers use cookie sheets to store trays of meat, cookie dough or other long term freeze items. Do not use cookie sheet for this. If you freeze and unfreeze your insulated cookie sheet repeatedly, the seal that keeps the air inside the insulated middle will become compromised and moisture will get in. Once moisture is in, the sheet will either start oxidizing from the inside out, or may begin to develop a musty odor that is impossible to get rid of. Either way, the sheet will be useless, and you will have to buy another. Keep them clean, dry and in a room temperature environment while not in use.
5. Store and wash your insulated cookie sheets according to the manufacturer's directions. Because your insulated cookie sheet has a pocket of air inside, they cannot be submerged in water while washing. Doing so will result in leakage in some cases, and moisture trapped inside can flash to steam and cause the cookie sheet to rupture. Because they are hollow, they must be treated with more care than a conventional cookie sheet while in storage, and even sitting in the sink. Do not pile dishes on top of them. Also, do not store them underneath heavy pots and pans in the cupboard. They will get dented and lose their insulating qualities.
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