If you’ve ever reached into your drawer of cookie cutters and wondered which ones are actually worth keeping, you’re not alone.

With aisles (and online shops!) full of plastic, metal, and now even 3D printed options, it’s easy to feel unsure — especially when you’re just trying to bake something cute without the dough sticking or the cutter bending in the middle of a press.

As a home baker and teacher, I’ve worked with them all — from dollar-bin deals to specialty designs that make hearts flutter. So let’s break it down together, one cookie cutter at a time 🍪

What type of cookie cutter is best?

Let’s get straight to it: the best type of cookie cutter really depends on you and how you love to bake.

Here’s a quick breakdown based on what matters most in your kitchen:

• 🎯 Want crisp, professional-looking shapes?
  → Reach for metal cutters. Their sharper edges slice through chilled dough like a dream.
• 🧒 Baking with kids or just starting out?
  → Plastic cutters are safer for little hands and budget-friendly for experimenting.
• ✨ Craving something one-of-a-kind?
  → Try 3D printed cutters for custom shapes and truly personal details. (Think wedding logos or your pet’s silhouette!)

Each one has its strengths and quirks — and that’s why I keep a mix in my kitchen drawer. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each type special, and when to use which.

1. The trusty classic — metal cookie cutters

What makes metal cookie cutters so special? For me, it’s all about that crisp, clean edge. These are the cutters that make your designs pop — especially when you’re working with chilled no-spread dough.

They slice through with precision and hold up well over time… as long as you treat them kindly.

🧼 Real-life tip:
I once let a few soak in the sink a little too long, and they developed tiny rust spots 😬. Now, I dry mine right away — or even pop them on a baking sheet in a warm oven (after it’s turned off) to dry fast.

Pros of Metal Cookie Cutters:

• Sharp edges for clean, detailed shapes
• Cuts through firm/chilled dough easily
• Durable when properly cared for
• Tons of shape and size options (I love Ann Clark cutters!)

Cons of Metal Cookie Cutters:

• Can rust if not dried correctly
• Might be sharp for younger bakers
• Bend easily if tossed in a bin or drawer without care

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2. Easy and fun — plastic cookie cutters

Plastic cookie cutters are a staple for beginner bakers and anyone baking with kids. They’re lightweight, colorful, and come in all sorts of whimsical designs that just beg for sprinkles and frosting.

I still remember baking my first holiday batch with bright red plastic cutters and being so proud of my slightly wobbly snowmen 🙃

💡 Little lesson learned:
Avoid washing them in hot water — I’ve had a few warp over time (especially the thin ones).

Pros of Plastic Cookie Cutters:

• Usually more affordable
• Super kid-friendly
• Huge variety of designs and characters
• Easy to find in sets at craft stores or online

Cons of Plastic Cookie Cutters:

• Less sharp = less defined edges
• Can feel flimsy for thick or cold dough
• May warp in the dishwasher or near hot surfaces

3. The customizable option — 3D printed cookie cutters

Let’s talk techy (but approachable): enter the world of 3D printed cookie cutters. These are perfect when you want something unique — like your dog’s face, a company logo, or a one-of-a-kind monogram.

While they are technically made of plastic, the PLA material used in 3D printing feels a bit different. It’s eco-friendlier, but slightly more delicate than mass-produced plastic.

Some of my favorite shops for beautiful 3D printed cutters:

• KaleidaCuts
• The Cookiery
• Sweet Pink Olive

🔍 Fun fact:
Because of how they’re printed, these cutters sometimes have super fine details — but they also require gentle cleaning to avoid build-up in the layers.

Pros of 3D Printed Cookie Cutters:

• Incredibly customizable
• Perfect for one-of-a-kind designs
• Lets you create something meaningful and new

Cons of 3D Printed Cookie Cutters:

• Edges may not be quite as sharp as metal
• Fragility can be an issue with stiff dough or heavy use
• Not dishwasher-safe — always hand wash gently
• Some designs have fine layering that collects dough

4. Bonus: the versatile world of silicone (stamps and molds)

Silicone cutters themselves aren’t super common, but silicone stamps and molds are popping up everywhere — and I love how versatile they are.

Stamp something cute into your cookie dough (like “thank you” or a monogram), or use a mold to turn dough into a dimensional flower or shape. I’ve even seen cookie decorators use silicone molds with royal icing to make edible accents. It’s serious cookie magic ✨

Pros of Silicone Stamps & Molds:

Stamps:

• Add quick, elegant decoration before baking
• Great for those who don’t want to mess with icing
• Easy to clean and reuse

Molds:

• Allow for 3D cookie shapes or stunning royal icing details
• Non-stick, super easy to pop dough in and out
• Adds that wow factor without extra decorating time

Cons:

• Stamps don’t cut out dough — you’ll still need a cutter
• Molds may require adjusted bake times
• Detail depends on mold quality and design

So… which cookie cutter material is best?

The truth? There’s no perfect answer — it really depends on you, your baking goals, and who’s helping in the kitchen.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

If you’re still unsure, try picking up one cutter in each material and have a little fun experimenting. See how they feel in your hand, how the dough cuts, and how cleaning feels. You’ll find your favorite fast 😊

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🧁 Final thoughts

Choosing cookie cutters should be one of the fun parts of baking — not another source of stress. Whether you’re starting with a handful or building a whole collection, pick what helps you feel creative and confident.

And remember: a slightly wobbly cookie still tastes just as sweet 🍪

PS: I’d love to hear what kind of cookie cutters you love! Have a favorite shape or maker? Drop it in the comments or tag me in your bakes — I’m always looking for new favorites!

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📌 Want to give your cookie cutters a real workout?
Try my go-to no-spread sugar cookie dough recipe here!