Make Cookie Cutters
It's possible to make your own cookie cutters, in any shape desired, freeing you from the choices made by the commercial distributors of such products. In this tutorial, you'll learn an easy way to make cookie cutters, using materials you probably have in your home already.
Steps
- Draw straight lines onto the bottom of an aluminum lasagna pan marking lengthwise. Use a ruler and permanent marker to ensure that the edges are straight and uniform in size. Make the lines at least 1" (2.5cm) apart and use as much of the surface of the bottom of the pan as possible. You can also go to your local hardware store and buy sheet aluminum (22ga if they have it) if you don't want to cut up a lasagna pan.
- Using heavy duty scissors, cut the sides off the aluminum pan. Next, cut out the strips that were drawn on the bottom of the pan. Be careful; cutting aluminum can leave sharp edges that can cause cuts and nicks on your fingers or hands. A good precaution is to wear gloves.
- Set aside the 1" (2.5cm) aluminum strips and start designing the cutters on paper. Use ideas such as tracing a child's hand, hearts, stars, etc. Keep in mind that the perimeter of your cookie cutter can be no longer than your longest strip.
- It may help to cut a piece of string the length of your strips and use it to measure around the perimeter of your design. Hold the string up to the strip and see if the strip is long enough.
- Since you're working with metal, allow 1"-2" (2.5cm-5cm) of the strip for curves and to provide enough material to properly close your cookie cutters when you've finished shaping them.
- Take one of the 1" (2.5cm) aluminum strips and start molding it around your design.
- To create curves, use pens or cups.
- To create 90 degree angles, use table edges or a ruler.
- To create other shapes, use anything interesting you have around the house––just be creative!
- To close your cookie cutter, overlap the ends of the aluminum strips and staple or glue together more than once (three times is a charm!).
- Use a metal file to grind down any nicks and burrs on the edges that might hurt you if left in place. You may fold over the edges (only about 1/8 inch/3.1mm) to provide a surface that will not be sharp and will not present a cutting hazard for your hands.
- Wash and dry your cutter thoroughly before cutting out your cookie dough.
- Finished.
Tips
- Washing your cutters by hand will help them last longer.
- Don't have too many long skinny parts or tight curves, as these won't translate well to a cookie. Remember you are making cookie cutters and details will be lost when you bake the cookie dough because it rises and expands as it cooks.
- If you want to reuse the cookie cutters or store them away, don't pile anything on top of them that might deform their original shape.
- For sturdier cookie cutters, go to a hardware store and buy some 1" (2.5cm) copper or aluminum ribbon. (Also called "Hobby Metal".) Cookie cutters made from this sturdier material will last forever, but to seal the ends together, you will need two-sided tape and some clamps to hold the ends together as it sets. Wash these metal strips in soap and water before taping together, as they may have oil on them that will likely interfere with the tape bonding.
- To help fold the ribbon into the design, first draw out the design on paper. Then, trace the pattern onto wood and cut out the piece of wood. Mold the ribbon around the wood. Alternatively, you can cut out the design on 3-5 pieces of cardboard and tape them together instead of using wood.
Warnings
- Use caution when cutting aluminum metal. Sharp edges result and can cause small cuts or nicks on your fingers, even if you're careful. Consider wearing gloves.
- The permanent marker will smudge a bit because it doesn't adhere to aluminum too well, but it will be easy to clean off once your cookie cutters are finished.
- If an aluminum pan is used, the cookie cutters will be a bit fragile. Be careful when cutting the cookies, as the cutter may deform somewhat. As mentioned, this may be prevented by using heavier material, such as copper or aluminum strips from the hardware store.
- Due to the safety concerns, cutting the aluminum is not recommended for small children. They can help with other steps in the project, like drawing or choosing designs.
Things You'll Need
- Large disposable aluminum lasagna or roasting pan (rectangular is best)
- Heavy duty scissors
- Permanent marker
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paper (to draw your designs on)
- String
- Newspaper or cardboard to cover the work surface
- Super glue to attach the end of the cookie cutter (optional)
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- Prevent Cookie Dough from Sticking to the Cutter
- Prevent Cookie Dough from Sticking when Cutting Cookie Shapes
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