The holiday season is a time for creating sweet memories in the kitchen, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like a batch of beautifully shaped cookies. From classic gingerbread men to intricate snowflakes, the right cookie cutter can turn simple dough into edible works of art that delight family and guests alike.
With so many options available, from expansive sets to curated collections, finding the perfect tool for your baking projects can be a challenge. This roundup highlights a variety of high-quality cookie cutters designed to meet different needs, whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro looking to expand your toolkit for the holidays.
The Best Holiday Cookie Cutters for Your Baking Needs
- Starpack ‘Bake me Happy’ Christmas Cookie Cutters Set (18 pcs)
- Christmas and Holiday Cookie Cutters 5-Pc Set by Ann Clark
- Wilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece — Alphabet and Holiday
- JOYIN 13 PCS Christmas Cookie Cutters with Rolling Pin
- Ateco Stainless Steel Christmas Cookie Cutters
- PTaizjjz 16 PCS Holiday Cookie Cutters for Multiple Seasons
- Ann Clark Christmas Cookie Cutter Set of 12
- Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter Set, Christmas
Starpack ‘Bake me Happy’ Christmas Cookie Cutters Set (18 pcs)
This 18-piece set from Starpack provides a wide variety of shapes to bring your holiday cookie ideas to life. You can create a full assortment of festive cookies, from gingerbread people and trees to stars and snowflakes, perfect for building impressive cookie trays or giving as homemade gifts. The set is designed to help you achieve the kind of beautiful, Pinterest-worthy results that make holiday baking so satisfying.
Constructed from stainless steel, these cutters are built for both performance and safety. The folded edges are gentle on your hands, and the welded seams are secure to prevent coming apart during use. For added value, the set includes a free ‘101 Cooking Tips’ PDF to help inspire your baking session and build your confidence in the kitchen.
Christmas and Holiday Cookie Cutters 5-Pc Set by Ann Clark
For bakers who appreciate quality and domestic craftsmanship, this 5-piece set from Ann Clark is an excellent choice. It includes the essential holiday shapes: a gingerbread man, Christmas tree, star, snowflake, and angel. This curated collection is ideal for those who prefer a focused set of classic designs without unnecessary extras.
A significant benefit of this set is that it is manufactured in the USA using certified food-safe American steel. The Clark family has been creating original baking designs for over three decades, so you are getting a product backed by extensive experience and a commitment to quality that supports local industry.
Wilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece
If you are looking for a comprehensive collection that goes far beyond the holidays, the Wilton 101-piece set is a standout option. This massive set includes not only festive shapes for various holidays but also a complete alphabet and numbers, allowing you to create personalized cookie messages for any occasion throughout the year.
The cutters are made from colorful, durable plastic with a comfort edge that makes them easy to grip and press into dough. The deep blade helps ensure clean cuts every time. This is the ultimate set for bakers who want maximum versatility and enjoy creating cookies for birthdays, school events, and all major holidays.
JOYIN 13 PCS Christmas Cookie Cutters with Rolling Pin
This JOYIN set offers excellent value by bundling 12 stainless steel cookie cutters with a matching rolling pin. Having a dedicated rolling pin included means you have all the fundamental tools you need to start your baking project right out of the box. The cutters feature a silicone comfort grip, which provides better control and reduces hand fatigue during use.
Made from heavy-duty, rust-resistant stainless steel, these cutters are built to last through many holiday seasons. They are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe for convenient cleanup. The 3.5-inch size is ideal for creating cookies that are just the right size for decorating and serving.
Ateco Stainless Steel Christmas Cookie Cutters
Ateco is a trusted brand among baking professionals, and this 6-piece set reflects their commitment to quality. These simple, durable stainless steel cutters are designed for precise, clean cuts every time. The set includes classic holiday shapes, each measuring approximately 2.5 inches, making them perfect for creating bite-sized treats or detailed cookie platters.
The no-frills design focuses on functionality and longevity. Because they are made from solid stainless steel, they will not rust or bend with normal use. For bakers who value professional-grade tools and timeless design, this set is a reliable and straightforward choice.
PTaizjjz 16 PCS Holiday Cookie Cutters for Multiple Seasons
This 16-piece set from PTaizjjz is designed for bakers who celebrate multiple holidays throughout the year. The collection includes shapes for Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, providing great value and versatility from a single purchase. You can create a pumpkin for fall, a ghost for Halloween, and a Christmas tree in December.
The cutters are made from quality 430 stainless steel, which is known for its resistance to heat and rust. The smooth surface allows for easy cutting and a clean release from the dough, while the rolled top edge protects your fingers for a safer and more comfortable baking experience. This is a practical set for year-round baking fun.
Ann Clark Christmas Cookie Cutter Set of 12
Expand your holiday shape options with this 12-piece set from the reputable Ann Clark brand. With a broader selection of designs, you can create a more diverse and visually interesting cookie display. Like the smaller Ann Clark set, these are made in the USA with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship.
The larger number of cutters in this set allows for more creative possibilities and is perfect for bakers who like to have a different shape for each member of the family or for hosting large holiday gatherings where variety is key. You can trust in the durable construction and clean cuts that Ann Clark products are known for.
Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter Set, Christmas
This Wilton set offers the same enormous 101-piece count as their standard set but with a specific focus on Christmas and holiday themes. It provides an almost limitless array of shapes for your seasonal baking, ensuring you will never run out of creative options for your cookie trays.
Ideal for the serious holiday baker, classroom activities, or large family projects, this set allows you to make everything from simple shapes to complex festive scenes. The plastic construction is durable and color-coded, and the comfort edge makes it easy for bakers of all ages, including children, to join in the fun.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Holiday Cookie Cutters for Festive Baking
As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen during the holidays, I know that the right tools make all the difference. Choosing cookie cutters might seem simple, but a few key considerations can turn a good baking session into a great one. The material is the first thing I look at. Stainless steel is my go-to because it’s durable, doesn’t rust, and gives a super clean cut through the dough. Plastic cutters are often more affordable and come in fun, intricate shapes, but they can be less sharp and might not last as many seasons. I also keep an eye out for sets that offer a good variety. A mix of classic shapes like trees and stars, along with a few unique ones like a reindeer or a snowman, gives me a lot of decorating options without needing to buy multiple sets.
Another factor I always consider is the edge quality. A sharp, clean edge is non-negotiable for me. It makes cutting through the dough effortless and results in cookies that hold their shape perfectly during baking. Dull or bent edges can tear the dough and lead to messy outlines that are hard to decorate. For more complex shapes, I check how easy the cutter is to use. Some detailed designs have very thin parts that can be tricky to press out of the cutter. A little tap on the counter usually does the trick, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re baking with young helpers.
Storage is a practical aspect that often gets overlooked. I prefer cutters that nest together or come in a compact, organized tin or box. This saves a ton of space in my kitchen drawers and keeps everything in one place for next year. There’s nothing worse than digging through a messy bin of baking supplies to find the one missing gingerbread man! Finally, I think about versatility. While I love a classic Christmas tree, I also appreciate cutters that can be used for more than one holiday. A simple star or mitten shape can work for Christmas, Hanukkah, or even a general winter theme, giving me more bang for my buck. By focusing on material, edge quality, storage, and versatility, you can build a collection of the best holiday cookie cutters for festive baking that will serve you well for many seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my cookie dough from sticking to the cutter?
This is a common issue, and I have a simple routine that works every time. Before I start cutting, I make sure my dough is properly chilled. Firm dough is much less likely to stick. I also keep a small bowl of flour next to my workspace and lightly dip the edge of the cookie cutter into the flour before each cut. Just a light dusting is all you need. For particularly stubborn dough or intricate cutters, a quick spritz of cooking spray can also do the trick.
What’s the best way to clean metal cookie cutters?
I always hand-wash my metal cutters in warm, soapy water and dry them immediately with a towel. Letting them air dry, especially if they are not stainless steel, can lead to water spots and potential rust. I avoid putting them in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergent and high heat can damage the metal over time, potentially causing warping or dulling the sharp edges. For plastic cutters, check the manufacturer’s instructions, but most are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
My cookies are spreading and losing their shape. What am I doing wrong?
This is usually less about the cutter and more about the dough or baking technique. First, ensure your dough is cold when it goes into the oven. I often chill my cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before baking. Using a recipe with the right ratio of flour to fat is also key. Too much butter or sugar can cause spreading. Finally, check your oven temperature with a separate thermometer to make sure it’s accurate. An oven that runs too cool can cause the cookies to spread before they set.
Can I use these cutters for anything other than sugar cookies?
Absolutely! I use my holiday cutters for all sorts of kitchen projects. They are perfect for cutting out fun shapes from slices of sandwich bread for kids’ lunches, or for shaping homemade playdough. You can also use them to cut shapes out of rolled fondant for cake decorating, or even to make festive Jell-O jigglers. Getting creative with your tools is part of the fun.
Are there any tricks for using very intricate or detailed cookie cutters?
Intricate cutters can be tricky, but a couple of tips make them much easier to handle. First, use a stiffer dough. A dough that is too soft will tear when you try to lift it out of a detailed cutter. After pressing the cutter into the dough, I gently wiggle it to make sure all the details are cut through. To release the dough, I often push it out from the top with a small, soft-bristled brush (like a clean paintbrush) or my finger, rather than trying to pry it out.
What should I look for when buying my first set of holiday cookie cutters for festive baking?
For a first set, I recommend looking for a collection of stainless steel cutters with classic, medium-sized shapes. This ensures durability and ease of use. A set with a tree, star, bell, and gingerbread person is a fantastic starting point. These shapes are timeless, relatively simple to cut and decorate, and will give you a solid foundation for your holiday baking traditions. You can always add more unique or complex shapes later on.