A jelly roll pan is similar to a baking sheet or cookie sheet, but it has sides. The sides on most jelly roll pans are 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep. Jelly roll pans are handy for many uses such as for roasting vegetables and baking cookies, coffee cakes, and yes, even jelly rolls!

A jelly roll is a sponge cake baked in a jelly roll pan and then rolled up with a filling of jelly or jam. When sliced, a circular pattern is formed in each slice of cake. Whipped cream and fruit or fruit preserves often top each jelly roll slice. The jelly roll cake batter is usually flavored with vanilla and/or almond extract. Raspberry or strawberry jam or jelly is usually used for the filling and some people prefer seedless varieties of these.

Since the outside layer of a jelly roll will show in the finished dessert, the jelly roll pan is often lined with a piece of wax paper or a silicone mat that is peeled off the cake after baking. This method tends to add a nice smooth look to the top surface of the jelly roll. Turning the other side of the jelly roll into a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered, or icing, sugar and then letting it cool before filling may work well to allow you to remove the wax paper or mat. Then, once the jelly roll is completely cool, you can flip it over, fill it and place the roll on a plate seam side down before slicing and serving.

A jelly roll pan is usually made of aluminized steel as this material resists rusting and allows for an even distribution of heat. The non-stick versions have a dark non-stick coating added. Commercial quality jelly roll pans are made with heavy gauge steel for extra strength and to prevent bending and warping. You can use this type to roast a big pan full of roasted vegetables or broil a lot of appetizers.

Many foods that slide off of a regular cookie sheet can be placed on a jelly roll pan, thanks to the edges. There's much less chance of juices leaking from the pan and making a mess in the oven. Plus, you can bake desserts such as coffee cakes and granola bars in a jelly roll pan rather than just cookies.