Quick Answer
Yes, you can use a cookie cutter as an egg ring. Cookie cutters and egg rings have similar ring-like shapes so a cookie cutter can easily be substituted for an egg ring. The main thing to keep in mind is that since cookie cutters come in various sizes and shapes, you’ll want to choose one that is roughly the same diameter as a traditional egg ring mold. As long as you grease or spray the cookie cutter first, you should be able to achieve round, neatly shaped eggs or egg dishes by cooking eggs inside a cookie cutter.
What is an Egg Ring?
An egg ring, also sometimes called an egg mold, is a metal or silicone ring used to shape and contain eggs. Most egg rings are 2-3 inches in diameter and 1-2 inches tall.
Egg rings serve a few main purposes:
- Create nicely shaped, uniform round eggs
- Keep eggs contained and upright when frying or poaching
- Allow you to cook eggs in advance in batches, then neatly remove the rings
- Give support to eggs used as a garnish or topping on dishes
They can be used to fry, poach, bake, or microwave eggs. The rings help keep the eggs neatly contained so they don’t spread out while cooking.
Why Use a Cookie Cutter Instead?
A cookie cutter can serve as a handy alternative when you don’t have an egg ring on hand. Here are some reasons why a cookie cutter works in a pinch:
- Cookie cutters come in convenient round shapes and rings, just like egg rings.
- The metal or plastic material won’t react with the eggs while cooking.
- You likely already have cookie cutters on hand.
- Using something you have around is more economical than buying a specialty egg ring.
- Cookie cutters allow you to experiment with fun shaped eggs like hearts, stars, or flowers.
The main thing is to pick a cookie cutter that is about 2-3 inches wide, which mimics a typical egg ring. Avoid extra narrow or extra wide cookie cutters.
How to Use a Cookie Cutter as an Egg Ring
Using a cookie cutter as an egg ring is easy. Just follow these simple tips:
- Select a cookie cutter that is round or ring-shaped, with about a 2-3 inch diameter opening.
- Grease or spray the inside of the cookie cutter lightly with oil or nonstick spray so the egg doesn’t stick.
- Place the greased cookie cutter in a skillet or pan.
- Crack an egg and gently pour it inside the cookie cutter ring.
- Cook the egg using your desired method such as frying, poaching, or baking while the egg is contained in the cookie cutter.
- Once cooked, use a spatula to gently lift and remove the cookie cutter ring.
- You’ll be left with a nicely shaped round egg.
It’s that easy! The same method works whether making one egg or doing batches of eggs ahead of time. Just be sure to lightly grease each cookie cutter before adding the egg.
Tips
Here are some handy tips when using a cookie cutter as an egg ring:
- Use oil or butter to grease the cookie cutter rather than nonstick spray if cooking at high heat, since the spray may burn.
- Wiggling the cookie cutter gently can help release the cooked egg.
- For fried eggs, use medium-low heat and cover the pan so the tops cook before the yolks harden.
- Coat the inside of metal cookie cutters with nonstick spray or oil since metal can be stickier.
- Silicone cookie cutters don’t need much greasing since the flexible material pops off easier.
Creative Ways to Use Cookie Cutters as Egg Rings
Cooking eggs inside a cookie cutter isn’t just for simple fried or poached eggs. Get creative with these fun ideas:
Egg in a Hole
Use a round cookie cutter to cut a hole in a slice of bread, then cook an egg inside the hole for an egg in a hole breakfast sandwich.
Egg Bakes
Make mini personal sized egg bakes by lining a muffin tin with cookie cutter rings then cracking an egg inside each one before baking.
Egg McMuffin
Cook eggs in cookie cutters then serve on English muffins with ham and cheese for homemade Egg McMuffins.
Poached Eggs Florentine
Use cookie cutters to poach eggs then serve atop a spinach creamy sauce for elegant Eggs Florentine.
Fried Egg Toppings
Fry or cook eggs in cookie cutters then place them on top of salads, nachos, burgers, or avocado toast for a pretty garnish.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the main advantages and disadvantages of using a cookie cutter instead of an egg ring:
Pros:
- Convenient to use what you have on hand
- Economical alternative
- Allows you to shape eggs uniformly
- Variety of fun cookie cutter shapes
- Easy to find and purchase
Cons:
- Not designed specifically for eggs
- Variety of sizes unlike uniform egg rings
- Cookie cutters are deeper vs. shallow egg rings
- Metal can be more sticky than silicone egg rings
- Not heat resistant at very high temps
The pros seem to outweigh the cons when you’re in a pinch and need to shape eggs without an official egg ring. Just keep the cons in mind as you select which cookie cutter to use and how to cook the eggs.
Best Cookie Cutters to Use
While any round or ring-shaped cookie cutter will work, some perform better than others when used as impromptu egg rings. Here are some ideal cookie cutter options:
Round Metal Cookie Cutters
Standard round metal cookie cutters with fluted edges in the 2-3 inch diameter size work perfectly. The thicker metal maintains shape well.
Round Plastic Cookie Cutters
Sturdy plastic cookie cutters are microwavable and won’t warp. Choose BPA-free plastic.
Silicone Ring Cookie Cutters
Silicone has the benefit of being nonstick. Circular shaped silicone rings release eggs easily.
Stainless Steel Rings
Plain stainless steel rings without decorative edges also work well since stainless steel won’t react with eggs.
Mason Jar Lids
Upcycle wide mason jar lids by using the rings as improvised egg rings. The smooth round edges work great.
FAQs
Can any cookie cutter be used as an egg ring?
No, the cookie cutter should be a round or circular ring about 2-3 inches wide. Don’t use cookies cutters with narrow openings or unusual shapes.
Do you need to grease the cookie cutter first?
Yes, it’s important to lightly grease the inside of the cookie cutter so the egg doesn’t stick while cooking. Use oil, butter, nonstick spray, or silicone.
What’s the best way to cook eggs in a cookie cutter?
All cooking methods work including frying, poaching, baking, or microwaving. Frying on medium-low heat makes tender sunny side up eggs.
Can cookie cutters be used in place of egg rings for egg bites?
Definitely! Grease cookie cutters and place in muffin tins before filling with eggs, spices, veggies, etc. and baking egg bites.
Are metal or silicone cookie cutters better egg ring substitutes?
Silicone is naturally nonstick which makes release easier. But metal works too with proper greasing. Avoid plastic cutters which can warp.
Conclusion
While specialized egg rings serve their purpose, you can definitely use a round cookie cutter in place of an egg ring if you don’t have one handy. The key is choosing the right size cutter, greasing it first, and using the proper cooking method to end up with picture perfect shaped eggs. A standard round metal or silicone cookie cutter 2-3 inches wide makes the best substitute. With a little creativity, you can make all kinds of fun egg dishes using cookie cutters as improvised egg rings.