Cookie cutters tend to come out once a year, get used for a single batch of sugar cookies, and then disappear back into a drawer. That’s a shame, because these simple tools can do far more than shape holiday treats.
Cookie Cutter Week in early December is the perfect excuse to pull them out and get creative. Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a party, or crafting homemade gifts, here are seven fun ways to put your cookie cutters to work.
1. Bake and Store Classic Cutout Cookies
Let’s start with the obvious, because cutout cookies are a holiday favorite for good reason. Chill your dough before rolling so the shapes hold their edges, and dip the cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking before placing them on your favorite non toxic cookware.
Once the cookies are baked and decorated, let the icing set completely before stacking them. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh and protect the decorations.
Clear glass containers also let you see your creations at a glance, which makes it easy to grab a few for a cookie exchange or an unexpected guest. Properly stored, most cutout cookies stay soft and delicious for several days.
2. Turn Sandwiches Into Fun Shapes
Cookie cutters can make lunchtime a lot more exciting for kids. Press a large cutter into a sandwich to create stars, hearts, or animals, and watch picky eaters get curious about their meal.
Getting kids involved in the kitchen has real benefits, too. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that touching, smelling, and handling food can make unfamiliar foods less intimidating before a child takes a bite. Save the crusts and scraps for homemade breadcrumbs or a quick snack, so nothing goes to waste.
3. Make Shaped Pancakes and Eggs
Holiday breakfasts get an instant upgrade with a few metal cookie cutters. Grease the inside of a cutter, set it in a hot skillet, and pour pancake batter or a cracked egg inside to create perfect shapes.
Snowflakes, trees, and gingerbread men are fun choices for December mornings. Just be sure to use metal cutters for this trick, since plastic ones can melt on a hot pan.
4. Cut Fruit and Cheese Into Party Shapes
Cookie cutters are a quick way to make a cheese board or fruit platter look festive. Use small cutters on sliced cheese, melon, pineapple, or watermelon to create bite-size shapes that guests will love.
For the cleanest cuts, slice fruit and cheese about a quarter inch thick and press straight down with firm, even pressure. Firm fruits like melon and pineapple hold their shapes best, while softer fruits like kiwi work better with small cutters.
The leftover pieces work well in smoothies, salads, or snack bowls. It’s an easy way to add a playful, polished touch to any holiday spread.
5. Create Homemade Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic holiday craft that kids and adults enjoy. Mix flour, salt, and water, roll out the dough, and cut shapes with your favorite cookie cutters before poking a hole for ribbon.
Bake the ornaments at a low temperature until they harden, then paint and seal them. They make wonderful keepsakes, especially when kids add their handprints or the year on the back.
Remember that salt dough is for decorating, not eating. The FDA notes that flour is a raw food that can carry harmful bacteria, so make sure everyone washes their hands after crafting.
6. Shape Brownies, Fudge, and Cereal Treats
Bar desserts are easy to dress up with cookie cutters. Bake brownies, fudge, or crispy rice treats on a sheet pan, let them cool completely, then press into festive shapes. Lightly greasing the cutter helps it slice cleanly through sticky treats. Drizzle the finished shapes with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with colored sugar for an extra-special touch.
7. Use Cookie Cutters as Art Stamps
Cookie cutters make great stamps for kids’ art projects. Dip the edges in washable paint and press them onto paper to create homemade wrapping paper, holiday cards, or gift tags.
This activity keeps little ones busy while you bake, and the results are as charming as anything you’d find in a store. It’s an easy way to give your cookie cutters a second life beyond the kitchen.
Getting More Out of Every Cookie Cutter
Cookie cutters are far more versatile than most people realize. From shaped sandwiches and pancakes to fruit platters, ornaments, and art projects, these small tools can add a bit of fun to almost any part of the holiday season.
This Cookie Cutter Week, dig out your collection and try a few new ideas with friends or family. You might discover that your favorite cookie cutter is the one you use all year long.