
I recently posted my shopping list of cookie decorating supplies along with some tips on where to find these items (see that post HERE). A reader, Alexa, asked a fabulous question I think deserves a whole post:
copper or other metal?

...are gorgeous, sturdy and wonderful investments
...are expensive ($8-$15 each)
other metal cutters...
...tend to be small (2 to 6-inches)
...can be flimsy and prone to rust
...are very affordable ($1-$5 each)
basic shapes to own?
While you of course need to cater this list to your own need, here is what I personally believe the best way to build a collection, in order:
1. basic shapes, both cookie and fondant cutters. Purchase either individually or in sets. Sets usually have several cutters, ranging in sizes from 1 inch to 5 or 6 inches. Shapes include: circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, stars or hearts. In a pinch, you can decorate any design on a basic shape if you don't have the cutter. Fondant cutters are basic shapes, but smaller (1/2 inch to 2 inches). These are great for bite-size cookies and fondant decor.

2. flowers. Flower cookies work for tons of occasions.




where do I buy them?
You can find almost any shape imaginable out there. There are a katrillion great shops offering great cutters. Here are a few of my favorite sources (and if anyone out there has more suggestions for our readers, especially for my non-US based readers, please feel free to add!):
- craft stores (like michaels) have basic shapes, flowers, fondant cutters and seasonal, usually only metal cutters, usually supplied by wilton (you can also shop wilton online)
- ann clark ltd. is a super-popular supplier with fabulous, high quality cutters (both copper and other metals, gift sets and more)
- sur la table has a great selection of both metal and copper cutters in their retail stores
- coppergifts.com beats all for a copper selection
- the cookie cutter shop has a wide selection of metal and some copper cutters
- I also love Off the Beaten Path for metal cutters
- American Tradition Cookie Cutters has a wide, affordable selection of metal cutters
- H.O. Foose Tinsmithing is yet another great resource
- Cheap Cookie Cutters... from the comments below. I've not yet ordered, but they have a great selection, so I'm very tempted!
how to clean and store cutters?
And a quick addition based on the great comment below:
- Always clean your cutters thoroughly after you use them. Wipe with a damp cloth or, if needed, wash in soapy water. And make sure to allow your cutters to totally dry!!! You can even put the cutters on a clean baking tray and stick in the warm oven after you've removed your last batch and turned off the oven.
- You can polish copper cutters with copper polish, like Penny Brite
- I store my cutters by simply tossing them in plastic storage containers (about 15 x 20 inches, or 30 quarts), like these, found at the container store or target or such stores. I label the boxes accordingly ("shapes," "party," "Christmas", etc.). It's probably best to use water and air tight containers, but I just use whatever storage boxes are on sale.
more cookie cutter info
- cookie cutter enthusiasts should also check out the Cookie Cutter Collectors Club HERE.
- Cookie Cutter Search is a great resource for information
Thanks for a great post on cutters! Can you add suggestions for how best to store them?
ReplyDeletegreat post, this will be an invaluable list for people starting out!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so good to us! Thanks for sharing all the tips!
ReplyDeleteKim @ http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com
Yep, I'm a sucker for cookbooks and cookie cutters! I love coppergifts.com too! Informative post!
ReplyDeleteWow this is great..
ReplyDeleteI know what to add to my wish list now :D
There is even a national club for collectors of cookie cutters. Annual membership includes an annual custom cutter and a quarterly newsletter. The club has biennial conventions and the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum within the Joplin Museum Complex in Joplin, Missouri. For more information on membership in the club please see http://www.cookiecuttercollectorsclub.com/
ReplyDeleteThere are many wonderful cookie cutter designs in plastic as well; these often include characters from children's books. Some even imprint inner lines on the cookies.
Thanks all! I totally forgot about the club, Susan, I had come across that in my book research. Thanks for sharing! And you're so right. The plastic cutters can have twenty posts just for themselves....they have a solid place in history (and in my book), especially as they tend to be relics of pop culture (of current characters, like the Blondie comic strip folks).
ReplyDeleteI store and labels mine exactly as you do! Like minds! :) The Container Store shoe boxes are the best, ever.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! Thanks for all your great info. I adore cookie cutters! I think they are adorable,
ReplyDeleteI have collected cutters for years *used to own a bakery) I store mine in a Clean Large Popcorn Tins- The ones you get at Christmas with the 3 flavors. Works great and easy to find.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on cutters.
ooooh, popcorn tins are a great idea. My mom used to order those ALL the time from the popcorn factory. Looks like I better start ordering some...
ReplyDeletewhat is the bottom most cutter on the 1st picture? i can't figure it out.
ReplyDeleteeyeglasses. I debated including that one bc I figured it'd be a tough one to recognize, but it made for such a sturdy base!
ReplyDeleteLove the post - great walk thru of the cookie cutter world but you forgot us! :) Check our Cheap Cookie Cutters for our big selection of hard to find cookie cutters!
ReplyDeleteOMG I'm not the only one. LOL I LOVE collecting cookie cutters. I'm the neighborhood go to person for that odd cutter. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, this is very hand and I think I still need to get a few of the most common cutters.
ReplyDelete