Creating beautifully shaped spritz cookies is a holiday tradition for many bakers, but achieving those perfect, uniform designs requires the right tool. A quality cookie press makes the process effortless, turning simple dough into intricate edible art in seconds. Whether you are a seasoned baker looking to streamline your process or a beginner hoping to impress, having a reliable press is the key to success.
With so many models available, selecting the best one for your kitchen can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best cookie presses on the market. We have evaluated them based on features, ease of use, included designs, and overall value to help you find the perfect press for your baking projects.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cookie Presses
- OXO Good Grips 14-Piece Cookie Press Set
- Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press, 13-Piece
- Ourokhome Cookie Press Gun Kit with 16 Discs
- Moon Cake Mold 6 PCS, Hand Press Cookie Stamps
- HULISEN Cookie Stamps Set of 4, Metal Press Mold
- Vintage Mirro Cookie Press With Book 12 Plates
- Norpro Deluxe Cookie Press with Icing Gun
- Westmark Cookie press/piping gun, 250 mL
- Stainless Steel Cookies Press with 13 Discs
- KitchenAid Cookie Press with 12 Discs
OXO Good Grips 14-Piece Cookie Press Set
The OXO Good Grips Cookie Press Set is designed for bakers who value precision and control. Its standout feature is a non-slip base that keeps the press steady on your baking sheet, preventing slips and ensuring your cookie designs come out perfectly every time. This feature is especially helpful when working with softer doughs that require a firm, stable press.
This comprehensive set includes 12 durable stainless steel disks with a variety of festive patterns, from classic trees to elegant fleur-de-lis. The lever-action mechanism is straightforward, making it simple to create uniform spritz cookies for holidays and everyday occasions. All components store neatly in the included case, keeping your kitchen organized.
Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press
Wilton is a trusted name in baking, and their Simple Success Cookie Press lives up to the reputation for user-friendly design. The comfortable, ergonomic handle with a soft-grip trigger reduces hand fatigue, which is a significant advantage when making large batches of cookies. This press is built for speed and efficiency, allowing you to produce uniform spritz cookies quickly.
A clear barrel is another practical feature, letting you monitor your dough supply at a glance so you can refill before running out mid-batch. This simple design element helps maintain a smooth baking workflow. As a 13-piece set, it provides a solid selection of classic designs to get you started on your spritz cookie baking.
Ourokhome Cookie Press Gun Kit with 16 Discs
For bakers who love variety, the Ourokhome Cookie Press Gun Kit is an excellent choice. This set is remarkably comprehensive, including 16 different cookie discs and 6 additional icing tips. This dual functionality means you can use the same tool to create beautifully shaped cookies and then decorate them with detailed frosting designs.
The gun-style design is intuitive to hold and use. Simply fill the clear tube with dough and press the trigger for consistent results. The wide array of patterns ensures your cookies will be creative and unique, making this kit perfect for holiday baking, parties, and other special occasions where presentation matters.
Moon Cake Mold 6 PCS, Hand Press Cookie Stamps
This Moon Cake Mold offers a different approach to pressed cookies, using a hand-stamp method. The set includes one mold and six different, beautifully intricate stamps, allowing you to create detailed, embossed designs on your cookies and pastries. It is specifically designed to make 50g moon cakes but works wonderfully for sturdy cookie dough as well.
Made from BPA-free, food-grade ABS plastic, this tool is safe for direct contact with your food. The process is simple: insert a stamp into the mold, press down on a ball of dough, and release to reveal a beautifully shaped creation. It is a fantastic tool for those interested in international baking or anyone looking for a unique cookie-making technique.
HULISEN Cookie Stamps Set of 4, Metal Press Mold
The HULISEN Cookie Stamps provide a rustic and hands-on way to create impressive embossed cookies. Each of the four stamps features a different deep-cut pattern, such as sunflowers and snowflakes, which produce a striking 3D effect on your cookies. The cast aluminum heads are durable and transfer fine details clearly.
These stamps are built to last, with strong wooden handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip. To achieve the best results, the dough should be chilled before pressing. This method is straightforward and rewarding, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers who appreciate the art of handmade cookies.
Vintage Mirro Cookie Press With Book 12 Plates
The Vintage Mirro Cookie Press is a classic tool that has been a favorite in kitchens for generations. This set offers a timeless design and reliable performance, often appealing to those who appreciate nostalgia and proven quality. It comes with 12 classic cookie discs and 3 tips, providing a good range of foundational shapes.
An included recipe book offers inspiration and guidance, which is particularly helpful for bakers new to using a cookie press. The aluminum construction is lightweight yet sturdy. This press is a simple, no-fuss option that focuses on the essential function of creating traditional spritz cookies.
Norpro Deluxe Cookie Press with Icing Gun
The Norpro Deluxe Cookie Press is a versatile, all-in-one set that excels in both cookie pressing and icing. With a generous capacity of 1.25 cups, you can produce a large number of cookies before needing to refill. The kit is incredibly comprehensive, featuring 20 discs for cookies and a separate icing gun with 4 tips for decorating.
This dual functionality makes it a great value, effectively serving as two tools in one. Whether you are pressing out holiday spritz cookies or decorating a birthday cake, this set has you covered. The included instruction booklet and recipes provide helpful tips to ensure your baking success.
Westmark Cookie press/piping gun
Engineered in Germany, the Westmark Cookie Press is known for its robust construction and precision. This tool also functions as a dual-purpose press and piping gun, coming with 8 stainless steel cookie templates and 8 stainless steel piping nozzles. The 250 ml capacity is well-suited for efficient baking sessions.
The press is designed to be easy to use, producing perfectly shaped mini cookies that are great for kids to help with or to use as cake decorations. The ability to switch seamlessly between cookie dough and frosting makes it a highly practical and space-saving addition to any baker’s toolkit.
Stainless Steel Cookies Press with 13 Discs
This Stainless Steel Cookie Press is built with an emphasis on durability and easy maintenance. The entire press is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, which is not only sturdy but also resistant to rust and odors. This material choice ensures the tool will remain a part of your baking arsenal for years to come.
The set includes 13 different cookie discs for a variety of shapes and 8 piping tips for decorative icing work. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stainless steel construction and removable parts, making post-baking cleanup quick and simple. It’s a reliable, professional-grade option for the serious home baker.
KitchenAid Cookie Press with 12 Discs
For those who trust the KitchenAid brand, this Cookie Press is designed to meet high standards of performance. It features a robust construction that aligns with the quality of their famous stand mixers. The press includes 12 discs, offering a selection of classic and seasonal designs to suit various baking needs throughout the year.
The mechanism is engineered for smooth operation, ensuring consistent pressure for uniform cookies every time. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip, reducing strain during extended baking sessions. This press is a solid choice for bakers who want a reliable, brand-name tool they can count on for perfect spritz cookies.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cookie Press for Spritz Designs
I’ve spent a lot of time with cookie presses, and I can tell you that not all of them are created equal. The right one makes the process smooth and fun, while the wrong one can lead to a sticky, frustrating mess. If you’re looking to get those perfect spritz designs, here’s what I always look for.
First, consider the mechanism. There are two main types: push-button plunger styles and crank-style presses that look like a caulking gun. I find the plunger style is often more straightforward for beginners, as you just press down with even force. The crank style can offer more leverage, which is helpful if you have a weaker grip or if your dough is a bit too cold and stiff. I recommend trying the motion in the air at the store if you can; you want something that feels comfortable in your hand.
The material of the barrel is a big deal. I strongly prefer a metal barrel over a plastic one. Metal is more durable and feels sturdier in your hands. It also tends to stay cooler, which is important because warm dough is your enemy when using a cookie press. If the dough gets warm from your hands, it becomes soft and won’t hold its shape when pressed. A plastic barrel can sometimes flex under pressure, leading to inconsistent cookies, which is a problem I’ve personally encountered.
Next, look at the disc selection. A good cookie press will come with a variety of patterned discs for creating different spritz designs. Check that the designs are actually etched or stamped into the metal clearly. I’ve seen some cheaper sets where the designs are shallow and don’t imprint well on the dough. Having a good mix of classic shapes like trees, stars, and flowers gives you plenty of options for holidays and everyday baking.
Ease of cleaning is non-negotiable. You want a press that disassembles completely. All the parts—the barrel, plunger, discs, and end piece—should be dishwasher safe. Pay close attention to the discs; the tiny holes in designs like the star can trap dough and be a pain to clean by hand. A press that is easy to take apart and clean means you’ll actually use it more often.
Finally, think about the overall construction and any extra features. A non-slip grip on the handle or barrel can make a huge difference in control. Some presses come with a helpful recipe book, which is great for getting the perfect dough consistency from the start. Remember, the best cookie press for you is one that feels good to use and reliably produces the beautiful spritz cookies you’re aiming for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dough sticking to the cookie press and not releasing onto the sheet?
This is the most common problem I see, and it’s almost always due to dough temperature or consistency. Your dough needs to be cool but not rock-hard. If it’s too warm from your hands or the room, it will stick. I chill my dough for about 30 minutes before loading it into the press. Also, make sure you’re not using a dough recipe with too much butter or one that is overly soft. A proper spritz recipe is key. If you’re still having trouble, try chilling your baking sheet in the fridge for a few minutes before pressing; a cold surface helps the dough release.
Can I use any cookie dough recipe with a cookie press?
Unfortunately, no. I learned this the hard way. A standard drop cookie recipe is too soft and will spread too much. You need a specific spritz cookie recipe that is designed to hold its shape. These recipes typically have a higher ratio of flour and fat to provide structure. The dough should be firm enough that you can form a ball with it, but still pliable enough to be forced through the press. Using the right recipe is half the battle in creating perfect spritz designs.
My cookies are coming out misshapen or broken. What am I doing wrong?
This usually points to one of two issues. First, you might be moving the press as you press down. You need to press straight down, hold it firmly in place for a second, and then lift straight up. Any twisting or dragging will distort the shape. Second, your dough might be too cold. If the dough is overly chilled, it becomes brittle and can crack or break when extruded. Let it sit at room temperature for just a few minutes to soften slightly.
How do I clean the intricate design discs properly?
Cleaning those tiny holes can be tricky. My method is to rinse the discs immediately after use in warm water to remove the bulk of the dough. Then, I use a soft-bristled brush, like a clean toothbrush or a small dish brush, to gently scrub the openings. For a press that is dishwasher safe, I still sometimes give the discs a quick pre-rinse with the brush to ensure no dough gets baked on inside the small holes. Never use anything sharp like a toothpick, as it can scratch the metal and ruin the design.
Are electric cookie presses worth it?
I think it depends on how often you plan to use it and your physical needs. A manual press works perfectly fine for me for a few batches a year. However, if you have arthritis or weakness in your hands, an electric model can be a great help as it does the pressing for you. The main thing to check with an electric model is that it has a good selection of metal discs for authentic spritz designs, as some cheaper models come with limited plastic attachments.
What is the secret to getting the perfect 10 best cookie presses for spritz designs to work consistently?
The real secret is practice and patience. Start with a trusted spritz recipe and make sure all your ingredients are at the correct temperature. Chill your dough and your baking sheets. Load the press correctly, ensuring there are no air pockets. Press directly onto an ungreased, cool cookie sheet. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged if your first few cookies aren’t perfect. It takes a little time to get the feel for the right pressure and technique. Once you find your rhythm, it becomes a very satisfying process.