How to Shop for Cookie Cutters

Whether it's Halloween or Christmas, cookie cutters are a great addition to any baker's kitchen. What you should know is that not all cookie cutters are created equal. Some can even be a pain to work with. How can you ensure that you're buying cookie cutters that will get the job done? The key is knowing what to look for. The following tips will help ensure you buy the best cookie cutters available.

Opt for Hollow Cookie Cutters

There's no denying the fact that cookie cutters that leave an imprint are cute and look very detailed. While these cookie cutters may look appealing, they can turn the holidays into a complete nightmare. First of all, many of these cookie cutters stick to the dough. Even if you can get past that, once the cookies rise and bake, the imprinted image is often distorted. Hollow cookie cutters eliminate many of these problems. Because there is less surface area, hollow cookie cutters cut the dough more easily and have less sticking. Another advantage is the shapes are usually simple and have less chance of looking distorted after baking. Lastly, hollow cookie cutters don't require you to be a professional decorator. You don't have to worry about decorating all the intricate imprints. Just frost, add some sprinkles and you're good to go.

Avoid Flimsy Cookie Cutters

Hollow cookie cutters are indeed the superior choice, but not all hollow cookie cutters are a good buy. A hollow cookie cutter should be sturdy enough to avoid warping. Thin metal cookie cutters will often start to lose their shape during their first use. While these cookie cutters may seem more aesthetically pleasing, plastic cookie cutters are actually the better option. You want to look for hollow, plastic cookie cutters that have thick edges. This prevents distortion of the cutter, even after multiple uses, and makes it easier to cut the dough as well.

Keep the Shapes Simple

Cookie cutters can be extremely detailed, even hollow cookie cutters, but that's not always a good thing. Cookie cutters that feature tight, intricate designs are often hard to work with. What happens, more times than not, is that the dough gets stuck in the tight, little corners and the shape doesn't come out right. This can be frustrating. You best bet is to stick to simple shapes and then use frosting and other edible decorations to create a detailed look.

Select Cookie Cutters With a Comforter Grip

If you plan to make dozens and dozen of cookies during the holiday season, look for cookie cutters that feature a comfort grip. These grips help prevent fatigue and also make it easier to hold onto the cutter as well. These cutters are easily great for children as they are much easier for them to hold on to. These cutters do cost more money, but are worth the extra expense.