When it comes to baking cookies, having the right tools can make all the difference. Cookie cutters are essential for cutting uniform shapes and sizes out of cookie dough. While cookie cutters come in a variety of materials, metal and plastic are two of the most common. But which material makes the better cookie cutter? There are pros and cons to both metal and plastic cookie cutters.
Differences Between Metal and Plastic Cookie Cutters
Metal and plastic cookie cutters have some key differences that impact their performance:
- Metal cookie cutters are typically made from stainless steel or copper. Plastic cookie cutters are usually made from polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Metal cutters have thinner, sharper cutting edges compared to plastic. This allows them to cut through dough cleanly.
- Plastic cookie cutters are lighter weight and more affordable than metal.
- Metal conducts heat better than plastic. Cold metal cutters help the dough hold its shape when cutting.
- Plastic is more flexible while metal maintains its shape.
- Metal cutters are more durable overall than plastic.
Benefits of Metal Cookie Cutters
Here are some of the biggest benefits that make metal the preferred material for many bakers:
- Superior cutting ability – The thin, sharp cutting edges of metal cookie cutters slice neatly through dough with precision.
- Keeps dough cool – Metal conducts temperature well. Using a room temperature metal cutter helps keep the dough firm and cold for clean cuts.
- Holds shape – Rigid metal maintains its shape batch after batch. It will not warp or bend even with frequent use.
- Easy to clean – Food safe metal cutters rinse clean with soap and water. You can also sanitize them easily.
- Non-porous surface – Metal does not absorb food residue or oils. This prevents transfer of flavors between batches.
- Durability – Metal is very durable under frequent baking use. High quality metal cutters can last for many years.
- Heavyweight – The heft of metal cutters allows them to firmly press shapes into dough without shifting or slipping.
- Vintage appeal – Metal cookie cutters have a classic, vintage aesthetic. Many bakers prefer this look.
Benefits of Plastic Cookie Cutters
Plastic cookie cutters do have some advantages of their own:
- Affordable – Plastic cookie cutters generally cost much less than metal, making them budget-friendly.
- Lightweight – The light weight of plastic makes them easy to handle and store.
- Colorful designs – Plastic cutters allow for molded color designs not possible with metal.
- Fun novelty shapes – Plastic can be molded into almost any shape, allowing for quirky, novelty cutter designs.
- Safe for nonstick – Plastic will not scratch delicate nonstick baking sheets like metal can.
- Non-conductive – Plastic offers insulation from heat for use with warm doughs.
- Stackable – Many plastic cutters are designed to stack together for compact storage.
Factors to Consider
Here are some additional factors to help compare metal and plastic cookie cutters:
- Frequency of use – Frequent bakers will get more longevity out of metal. Plastic works fine for occasional use.
- Dough ingredients – Metal works best for firm doughs with less fat. Plastic can handle softer, stickier doughs.
- Dough temperature – Cold metal helps maintain chilled dough shape. Plastic is better suited for room temperature doughs.
- Types of cookies – Metal yields the cleanest cuts for sugar cookies. Plastic allows more flexibility for shaped cookies.
- Storage – Metal takes up more space. Plastic cutters can stack efficiently in drawers.
- Safety – Metal cutters are very durable but can dull over time. Replace any cutters with sharp edges.
Guide for Selecting Cookie Cutters
Use this guide to decide whether metal or plastic cookie cutters are better suited for your baking needs:
| Criteria | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Frequent baking use | Metal |
| Occasional baking use | Plastic |
| Sugar cookies | Metal |
| Shaped / molded cookies | Plastic |
| Chilled dough | Metal |
| Room temperature dough | Plastic |
| Stackable storage | Plastic |
| Durability | Metal |
| Affordability | Plastic |
Recommendations for Cookie Cutters
Based on performance, here are my top recommendations for cookie cutters:
Best Overall: Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookie cutters offer the best balance of cutting ability, durability, ease of cleaning, and retro aesthetic. Go with stainless steel for the best all-around cookie cutter.
Best Budget: Plastic
For bakers on a budget or children, inexpensive plastic cookie cutters get the job done. Replace them more often for best results.
Best Splurge: Copper
Copper offers excellent heat conducting properties for ultra clean cuts, along with beauty and heirloom quality. A copper set makes a wonderful gift.
Most Versatile: Interchangeable Sets
Opt for a cookie cutter set with interchangeable metal cutters and plastic handles / frames. This allows you to get both metal cutting edges and fun colored plastic designs.
Conclusion
While both metal and plastic cookie cutters have their merits, metal cutters tend to perform better overall thanks to their cutting precision, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel cutters are ideal for most home bakers. Plastic is fine for occasional use or if you need stackable, lightweight cutters on a budget. Focus on the shape, thickness, and sharpness of the cutting edges when selecting cookie cutters for the best results.
