What material are cookie cutters made from?

Cookie cutters come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common materials used to make cookie cutters are stainless steel, copper, aluminum, plastic, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to performance, durability, ease of use, and price.

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Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used to make cookie cutters. There are a few reasons for this:

Durability – Stainless steel is very durable and maintains its shape well through repeated use and washing. This makes it ideal for a kitchen tool that needs to provide consistent results over time.
Rigidity – Stainless steel is rigid enough to cut cleanly through dough without bending or warping the shapes.
Non-reactive – Stainless steel will not react with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar that are sometimes used in cookie dough recipes.

Easy to clean – Stainless steel cookie cutters can be washed easily by hand or in the dishwasher.
Cost – While more expensive than some other options, stainless steel cookie cutters are very affordable, especially for the quality and longevity they provide.

Stainless steel is good for making cookie cutters because it is a strong, non-reactive metal that maintains its shape well and is easy to clean. Quality stainless steel cookie cutters can last for many years of regular baking use. Most mass-produced cookie cutters are made from stainless steel.

Copper

Copper is another popular metal used to manufacture cookie cutters:

Good heat conductivity – Copper transfers heat quickly, meaning the edges of copper cookie cutters will warm up fast when pressed into dough. This helps release the cut shapes from the cutter.
Antimicrobial – Copper surfaces naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbes. This makes copper easier to keep clean and hygienic.

Strong but malleable – Copper can be shaped into intricate cookie cutter designs yet still has good strength.
Naturally non-stick – Copper has a smooth surface that dough is less likely to stick to.
High quality appearance – The distinctive shine and patina of copper give it an appealing, high-end look.

The main downside of copper is the higher cost compared to stainless steel. Copper also requires more careful handwashing as harsh detergents can damage the surface over time. However, many bakers appreciate the benefits of copper and choose it for top quality, decorative cookie cutters.

Aluminum

Aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel or copper, making it a more budget-friendly option for cookie cutters:

Inexpensive – Aluminum costs less than other common cookie cutter metals while still being durable.

Lightweight – Aluminum is lighter in weight than steel which some bakers prefer when cutting large batches of cookies.
Conducts heat – Like copper, aluminum quickly takes on the temperature of the dough for easy release of shapes.
Can be anodized – Anodizing aluminum creates a hardened, non-reactive surface that resists scratches and wear.

Easy to clean – Aluminum can be cleaned with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher.

The drawbacks of aluminum are that it is a softer metal that can bend or warp out of shape more easily than steel. It also conducts heat well which can lead to burnt fingers when using handheld aluminum cookie cutters. Still, aluminum makes a great budget-friendly option.

Plastic

Plastic cookie cutters have become common due to mass manufacturing and low costs:

Very inexpensive – Plastic cookie cutters are often the cheapest option available.
Lightweight – Plastic is lightweight and easier to store.
Colorful – Plastic can be dyed and tinted into any color including clear.

Flexible – Thin, flexible plastic makes removing shapes from dough easy.
Wide shape options – Plastics’ moldability allows for cookie cutters in many shapes not possible with metal.

The downside of plastic cutters is that inexpensive plastic is prone to bending, scratching, and retaining odors. Plastic can also melt under high heat. Still, simple plastic cookie cutters are ubiquitous due to very low costs.

Wood

Wood is rarely used today but has some advantages as a cookie cutter material:

Food-safe & non-reactive – Untreated wood will not affect dough flavor or composition.
Insulated – Wood provides some insulation against heat transfer for comfortable handling.

Sustainable – Wood is a renewable resource.
Attractive – Natural wood grains have an aesthetic appeal.
Classic – Wood harkens back to old-fashioned baking methods.

The drawbacks of wood are that it can warp, crack, or split over time. Proper care is required to maintain wood cookie cutters. It also takes skill to carve wood into the desired shapes. While infrequent today, wood remains a unique option for artisanal cookie cutters.

Factors in Choosing a Cookie Cutter Material

When selecting a cookie cutter, the best material will depend on factors like:

Cost – Plastic and aluminum are most affordable while copper is priciest.

Durability – Stainless steel and anodized aluminum offer long lifespan.
Baking frequency – Frequent bakers may want ultra-durable stainless steel.
Type of dough – Sticky doughs release better from copper or non-stick coatings.

Aesthetics – Copper and wood provide pleasing visual accents.
Special shapes – Thin plastics allow for more intricate cut-outs.
Storage – Small plastic cutters take up little space.

Considering how the cutters will be used allows choosing the right cookie cutter material for the needs and budget of each baker.

How Are Cookie Cutters Made?

The manufacturing process for cookie cutters depends on the material but typically involves cutting, molding or stamping sheets of metal or plastic:

Stainless steel: Sheet steel is cut into circles using industrial punch presses. Two halves are then pressed together using a stamping mold to create the final shape.

Copper: Copper sheets are placed in molds and high pressure is applied to stamp out shapes. Designs can also be etched into the copper.
Aluminum: Like stainless steel, aluminum sheets are cut and molded using industrial stamping machines.
Plastic: Thin plastic sheets are placed into injection molds that fill with molten plastic to form the shape. A cookie cutter metal mold creates the plastic cutter.

Wood: Cookie cutter designs are hand-carved from wood blocks using gouges, chisels and knives. Sanding and finishing complete the process.

Quality control checking ensures cutters have the proper shape, thickness and finish before sale. Production methods result in large volumes of low cost but consistent cookie cutters.

History of Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters have been used for generations to create shaped cookies. The earliest cookie cutters were hand carved wood or pressed tin designs:

1700s – European and American cookbooks begin showing cookies made with shaped cutters.
Early 1800s – Tin cookie cutters gain popularity in the US and UK as low cost stamped cutters.
Mid 1800s – Manufacturers optimize tin stamping, allowing mass production of cutters.

Late 1800s – Copper and silver alloy cutters offered as upscale kitchenware items.
Early 1900s – Stainless steel cutters introduced. Unbreakable plastic arrives in 1940s.
Late 1900s – Collecting vintage cookie cutters becomes popular among bakers.

Today specialty shops sell thousands of cookie cutter themes and designs. The common kitchen tool connects bakers to centuries of cookie making history.

Fun Cookie Cutter Facts

Cookie cutters have some fun and fascinating facts behind them:

The most popular cookie cutter shapes are circles, trees, and gingerbread people.

The largest cookie cutter produced was over 17 feet tall and cut giant gingerbread men.
Cookie cutters were traditionally made on holidays as gifts in the shape of birds, hearts, and seasonal designs.
Some families pass down vintage cookie cutters through generations as heirlooms.

Copper cutters need to be handwashed to prevent the copper from developing an irremovable patina.
The majority of commercial cookie cutters today are made from stainless steel or plastic.
Very intricate designs can be made using laser cut acrylic plastic cookie cutters.

Cookie cutters have transitioned from handmade to mass manufactured, but still evoke nostalgia and homemade charm today.

Creative Ways to Use Cookie Cutters

Don’t limit cookie cutters just to cookies! Here are creative ways to use them in the kitchen:

Cut sandwiches – Use fun shapes for kids’ lunches.

Cut fruits and vegetables – Make healthy snacks more enticing.
Cut cheese – For whimsical crackers and charcuterie.
Cut eggs – Make breakfast more fun with shaped boiled or fried eggs.

Cut pancakes and waffles – Shape breakfast treats.
Cut meatloaf or brownies – Custom sizes or designs.
As molds – Press shapes into clay, candles, soaps, or crafts.

Decorate packages – Use as stencils for gift wrapping.

Don’t relegate cookie cutters just to cookies. With a little creativity they can shape all kinds of foods, crafts, and decorations around the home.

Buying Quality Cookie Cutters

Here are tips for purchasing the best cookie cutters:

Choose thicker, more rigid stainless steel or copper for optimal cutting and shaping.
Avoid cutters with rough or sharp edges that could cut hands.
Select cutters with designs that are cleanly stamped or etched.

Wash cutters before first use as manufacturing oils can leave residue.
Look for smooth, seamless construction without gaps or cracks.
Test that edges meet precisely so cut shapes hold together.

See that cutters lay flat and have no curling edges or warping.

Taking time to inspect cutter quality ensures you get the best results and longevity. Buying the cheapest available cutters often leads to disappointment and having to replace them sooner.

Caring for Cookie Cutters

To maintain cookie cutters follow these care tips:

Hand wash cutters in warm soapy water, avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
Dry thoroughly after each use to prevent moisture damage, pat don’t rub.
Store carefully stacked on top of each other or on a cookie cutter rack.

Apply food-grade mineral oil occasionally to keep wood or copper from drying.
Avoid banging cutters that can lead to unnoticeable cracks.
Replace cutters that develop bends, rust, or food-collecting grooves.

With proper care and cleaning, quality cookie cutters can stay in service for many years.

Conclusion

Cookie cutters come in a range of affordable materials from long-lasting stainless steel to inexpensive plastic. Selecting the right cookie cutter comes down to the needs of each baker and kitchen. With some cutters lasting for generations, the baking tradition of cookie cutters continues today.