How A Jelly Roll Pan Is Different From A Cookie Sheet
When it comes to baking pans, there is a definite difference between a jelly roll pan and a cookie sheet (just like there's a difference between sheet pans and baking sheets). It all comes down to the sides of the pans. The average jelly roll pan measures 15 x 10 inches with one-inch high rimmed sides. A true cookie sheet, on the other hand, only has one rimmed side. This allows for easier scooping of cookies.
The differences lie in how the pans are used. An ideal jelly roll pan — made from a variety of materials — yields a perfect sized sheet cake that's perfect for making, well, a jelly roll (or Swiss roll, or Yule log, or any other rolled cake treat). The baker doesn't have to worry about creating a cake that is too difficult to roll because it's too large, or so small that the cake is too thick.
When it comes to true cookie sheets, they simply weren't designed to bake cakes. If you have a sheet with low rimmed sides, however, you can substitute one of these for a jelly roll pan. The cake will likely be thinner, and the amount of filling will need to be adjusted.
Best uses for a jelly roll pan
Besides helped to bake rolled cakes, jelly roll pans have other uses. If you live in an especially small space, jelly roll pans are ideal for tiny ovens. They'll also fit in a dishwasher much more easily than a full-sized or even a half-sized sheet pan.
Besides making filled cakes, a jelly roll pan could be great for baking brownies. Making a small batch of cookies? A jelly roll pan is the perfect size for a reasonable serving for two or three. There are a variety of dessert bars that could work well using a relatively small jelly roll pan, from lemon bars to chocolate chip cookie bars (perhaps with a bit of cake flour added). Moreover, it doesn't have to be all about the sweet treats, as these pans could be just as well-suited to produce and savory bites. For instance, small families might appreciate the jelly roll pan for its ability to roast small servings of vegetables or other ingredients in quick and easy sheet pan dinners.