4 Simple Ways to Craft DIY Cookie Cutters at Home

Decorating sugar cookies isn't the only way to make them stand out. Whether you're aiming to recreate a cookie version of your beloved pet or the last great holiday-inspired cutter sold out at your local store, making your own cookie cutters is simpler than you might think.

With household tools like pliers and an empty soda can, you can easily craft cookie cutters in virtually any shape you desire. Plus, creating a variety of custom shapes for your cookie swap is sure to impress. Keep reading to learn how to make your own cookie cutters, and choose the method that works best for you.

How to Create a Cookie Cutter Using a Tin Strip

For the most precise and durable cookie cutter, a 1-inch wide tin strip coil is your ideal choice. You can easily find this specialized cookie-cutter metal strip online (such as on Amazon) or at your local craft stores. When purchasing, ensure that the metal is food-safe and appropriate for this use (tin from a hardware store may not be suitable).

Items You'll Need

• 1-inch wide tin strip coil
• Printed design
• String
• Food-safe super glue
• Scissors
• Protective gloves
• Needle nose pliers

Steps to Follow

1. Print out or draw your desired design on a piece of paper, ensuring it is to scale so you can accurately measure how much material is needed.
2. Use string to trace the design outline.
3. Cut the string after outlining the entire shape. This step helps determine how much tin you'll need for the cookie cutter.
4. Wear protective gloves and cut the tin strip to the same length as the string.
5. Use needle nose pliers to shape the tin according to the design outline. Apply pressure where needed to get the angles right.
6. Apply food-safe super glue to join the ends of the cutter, allowing it to dry completely before use.

How to Create a Cookie Cutter Using a Soda Can

If you're not looking to cut out particularly intricate or large cookies, an empty, clean soda can can be used to quickly make a DIY cookie cutter. The downside to this method is the limited material for shaping the cutter, so choose a cookie recipe that works well for bite-sized treats. Design options for this method could include a small star, heart, tree, or gingerbread man.

Items You'll Need:

• Soda cans
• Small printed design
• String
• Food-safe super glue
• Scissors
• Protective gloves
• Needle nose pliers

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Drink your favorite soda, then rinse and clean the can thoroughly. Wear protective gloves for safety.
2. Remove the top and bottom of the can.
3. Cut along the seam of the can from top to bottom to create one flat rectangular sheet.
4. Flatten the metal, then cut a strip about 1 inch wide and the length of the entire can.
5. Use string to trace the outline of your printed design, then trim off the extra string.
6. Use the string as a guide to measure the length of tin you’ll need and cut the strip accordingly. If necessary, glue two strips together to increase the length.
7. Shape the aluminum to match your design using needle nose pliers, applying enough pressure to create the correct angles and curves.
8. Use food-safe super glue to secure the ends of the cutter and allow it to dry fully before using it for cookies.

How to Craft a Cookie Cutter Using an Aluminum Oven Liner

Here's another great DIY cookie cutter idea if you're looking for a more durable option for sugar cookies. Follow these simple steps to turn an aluminum oven liner (which you might already have at home) into your very own cookie cutter.

Materials You'll Need:

• Aluminum oven liner
• Printed design
• String
• Food-safe super glue
• Scissors
• Protective gloves
• Needle nose pliers

Step-by-Step Guide

1. First, put on your protective gloves. Use scissors to trim the edges of the oven liner.
2. Next, measure the horizontal edge of the oven liner, then mark vertical lines every four inches along the length of the liner.
3. Cut along these lines to create strips that are each four inches wide.
4. Take each strip and fold it lengthwise, then unfold it to create a crease in the middle.
5. Now, fold each sharp edge inward toward the crease, so the sharp edges meet in the center.
6. Press down firmly on the folds to flatten the metal.
7. Use a piece of string to outline the printed design, cutting the string once you've traced around the whole shape.
8. Cut the aluminum strip to match the length of the string.
9. Shape the aluminum to fit the outline of the design using needle nose pliers, making sure to apply enough pressure for precise angles.
10. Use food-safe super glue to attach the ends of the cutter and let it dry completely before use.

Crafting a Cookie Cutter with Aluminum Foil

A heavy-duty roll of aluminum foil is an excellent choice for creating a cookie cutter shape. While this method may not be the most durable, it’s perfect for quick, last-minute baking. This technique is also great for kids, as the edges of aluminum foil are less sharp than other materials. For best results, roll the sugar cookie dough thin and avoid pressing too hard when cutting out the cookies.

Necessary Materials:

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Printed design
• Superglue or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Needle nose pliers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by tearing off a piece of aluminum foil that’s large enough to cover the entire shape of your cookie cutter design.
2. On a flat surface, fold the foil over itself (about an inch wide) until it forms a long strip.
3. With needle nose pliers, carefully mold the aluminum to follow the contours of the printed design, pressing as needed to replicate the angles accurately.
4. Glue the ends together with food-safe superglue, trimming off any extra foil. Let the glue dry fully before using.

Cookie Dough Recipes

Need the perfect cookie dough to pair with your brand new cookie cutters? We've got you covered with these simple, delicious recipes. Get ready to bake up a batch of holiday cheer!

Simple Sugar Cookie Dough

Sugar cookies are a classic treat during the holidays. This recipe makes them even easier to prepare, while still delivering all that beloved, sweet flavor.

Gingerbread Cookie Dough

Get into the festive mood with this flavorful gingerbread cookie dough recipe. Infused with warm spices and a touch of lemon zest, these cookies will disappear in no time during the holidays.