How to Use Cookie Cutters Like A Pro to Create Stunning Cookies

Baking cookies is an enjoyable activity, but making those cookies look as good as they taste requires a little technique. Cookie cutters are essential tools for creating perfectly shaped cookies, and using them correctly can elevate your baking game.

Whether you're making cookies for a special occasion, holiday, or just for fun, understanding the steps involved in using a cookie cutter set can help you achieve consistent, beautifully shaped cookies every time. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of how to use a cookie cutter like a pro to create stunning cookies.

Tools Needed For Cookie Cutting

Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all the tools you'll need. The most important tool, of course, is the cookie cutter set. Here's what you'll need:

1. Cookie Cutters: Choose from metal, plastic, or silicone depending on your preference and needs. A variety of shapes and sizes will allow you to get creative with your cookie designs.
2. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps you roll out the dough to the right thickness.
3. Baking Sheet: You'll need a baking sheet to place your cookies on while they bake.
4. Parchment Paper: This helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
5. Flour: Lightly flour the work surface, rolling pin, and cookie cutters to avoid sticking.

Having these tools ready will help make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cookie Recipe

The first step in using a cookie cutter is selecting the right cookie recipe. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape during baking without spreading too much. Sugar cookie dough is a popular choice for cookie cutters, as it holds its shape well and bakes into a sturdy yet soft texture.

Make sure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out; this helps prevent spreading and ensures that your cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough is ready, it's time to roll it out. Dust your work surface and rolling pin with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough evenly to the desired thickness, typically about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is too thick, your cookies might be too large to bake evenly. If it's too thin, the cookies may break easily.

To ensure even rolling, try to roll from the center outward, applying even pressure on both sides. If your dough starts to stick, add a little more flour to your work surface and rolling pin. Once rolled out, it’s time to start cutting!

Step 3: Cut Out the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—cutting out the cookies. Take your cookie cutters and press them into the dough firmly. Gently twist the cutter if necessary to make sure the edges are fully cut through the dough. Depending on the design of your cookie cutter set, you can create a variety of shapes—stars, hearts, animals, or even custom designs for specific holidays or events.

Make sure to leave a small gap between each cookie cutter to allow room for the cookies to expand slightly while baking. After cutting, carefully lift the cookie cutter and remove the dough around the cut-out shape. If any dough gets stuck inside the cutter, gently tap it on the counter to release the dough.

Step 4: Repeat

Once you've cut out your first batch of cookies, gather the excess dough, re-roll it, and repeat the process. It’s a good idea to reroll the dough no more than 2-3 times, as the dough can become tough if overworked.

If you're cutting multiple shapes, remember to wipe your cookie cutters with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges sharp and avoid any dough buildup.

How Do You Keep Cookies from Spreading While Using Cookie Cutters?

One of the most common problems when using cookie cutter is that the cookies spread too much during baking, losing their shape. Here are some tips to prevent this:

1. Chill the dough: Before cutting out shapes, make sure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
2. Use the right recipe: Some cookie recipes spread more than others. If you’re using a recipe prone to spreading, consider using one that’s designed for cookie cutters, like a classic sugar cookie recipe.
3. Bake on parchment paper: Parchment paper helps reduce spreading by providing a non-stick surface for the cookies to bake on.
4. Keep cookies at a distance: Make sure your cookie cutters are spaced apart when you place them on the baking sheet to allow enough room for them to expand slightly without merging.

How Do You Use Cookie Cutters Without Sticking?

If your cookie cutters are sticking to the dough, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue:

1. Flour your cutter: Lightly dust the edge of the cookie cutter with flour before cutting. This will help prevent the dough from sticking to the cutter and make it easier to lift the cookies off the work surface.
2. Chill your dough: Cold dough is less likely to stick to your cookie cutters. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before cutting, or even chill the cookie cutter set for a few minutes if necessary.
3. Use a non-stick spray: If the dough is particularly sticky, a light mist of non-stick cooking spray on the cookie cutter can help the dough release easily without causing any mess.

Using cookie cutters to create beautiful, professional-looking cookies doesn't have to be difficult. By following these simple steps—choosing the right recipe, rolling out the dough, cutting out the shapes, and repeating the process—you'll be well on your way to making stunning cookies every time.

Remember to keep your dough chilled, use a well-floured surface, and clean your cookie cutters between uses for the best results. With a little practice, you’ll soon be able to create perfectly shaped cookies like a pro. 

If you’re looking for the perfect tools to get started, be sure to check out the baking tools at thinKitchen. Their high-quality cookie cutters will help you create beautifully shaped cookies with ease. Happy baking!