Making square cookies without a cookie cutter may seem challenging, but it’s actually quite simple with the right techniques and tools. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect square cookies at home.
Why Make Square Cookies?
Square cookies have a unique, professional look that’s perfect for gifting or selling. While round cookies are the norm, square cookies stand out in their neat, uniform shapes. Square cookies are also easier to decorate, stack, and package.
However, most cookie cutters only make round cookies. Very few people own square cookie cutters since they aren’t as readily available. Luckily, there are easy workarounds for cutting square cookies without specialized tools.
Tips for Making Square Cookies Without a Cutter
When making square cookies from scratch at home, follow these tips:
- Use a ruler or square object to cut the dough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Cut the dough quickly and decisively for straight lines.
- Use a large chef’s knife for the best leverage and control.
- Repair any rough edges by gently reshaping the dough.
- Work on a clean, flat surface like a countertop or cutting board.
- Apply even pressure as you cut for consistent square shapes.
With practice and the right tools, you’ll be able to cut neat, uniform squares every time. Now let’s get into the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
You can make square cookies out of any basic sugar cookie or shortbread dough recipe. For best results, avoid recipes with a high liquid or fat content, which will be trickier to cut into precise squares.
Chill the prepared dough for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Chilled dough is firmer and less sticky, making it much easier to cut clean, sharp edges. If the dough is too soft, the squares may slump or lose their shape.
Step 2: Line The Baking Sheets
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These non-stick surfaces will prevent the square cookies from spreading too much while baking.
For perfectly square cookies, space the liners at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to prevent the dough from fusing together as it spreads.
Step 3: Cut The Dough
Now it’s time to cut the dough into squares. You’ll need a ruler and chef’s knife for this step.
- Using a ruler, measure and mark a grid on the lined baking sheets to use as a cutting guide. For 2-inch cookies, make marks 2 inches apart.
- Lightly flour the work surface to prevent sticking. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
- Use the ruler and marks on the baking sheet as a guide to cut straight lines across the dough with the knife. Make perpendicular cuts to create squares.
- Gently transfer each square to the prepared baking sheet using a spatula. Use the ruler to maintain straight edges.
Repair any irregular edges by smoothing the dough with your fingers. Work quickly to prevent the dough from warming up.
Step 4: Bake The Cookies
Bake the cookies according to your recipe instructions, usually at 375°F for 8-12 minutes. The squares may puff up slightly but will maintain their shape.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important for the cookies to firm up.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues that can arise when making square cookies without a cutter:
Problem: Cookies lose their shape while baking
Solution: The dough needs to be thoroughly chilled before cutting and placed at least 2 inches apart on non-stick bakeware. Let it chill again briefly after cutting and shaping if needed.
Problem: Edges are irregular or dough sticks while cutting
Solution: Make sure to adequately flour the work surface, dough, and rolling pin. Work quickly while dough is fully chilled. Reroll and reshape any irregular dough.
Problem: Squares spread too much and fuse together
Solution: Allow ample space between dough squares, at least 2 inches apart. Bake on parchment paper or silicone mats rather than greased pans.
Problem: Cookies are too crumbly or dry
Solution: Adjust the dough consistency by adding more egg or liquid. Bake for a minute or two less for softer, chewier cookies.
Decorating Square Cookies
Square cookies are fun to decorate thanks to their flat tops and straight edges. Here are some ideas:
- Pipe or spread icing into neat rows.
- Arrange cutout shapes like circles or stars in grid patterns.
- Brush with simple glazes for a modern glazed donut look.
- Use chocolate ganache or caramel as “grout lines” between cookies.
- Stack cookies together with frosting for 3D effects.
Decorate cookies before the icing hardens completely for best adhesion. Refrigerate iced cookies until firm, about 15-30 minutes.
Storing and Packaging Square Cookies
Storage
Store completely cooled, undecorated square cookies:
- In an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
- In the refrigerator up to 1 month.
- In the freezer up to 3 months.
Let frozen cookies thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating or serving.
Packaging
Square cookies are easy to package neatly:
- Stack cooled cookies vertically in boxes or tins.
- Arrange iced cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper.
- Place each cookie in mini cupcake papers or treat bags.
- Wrap individual cookies like small gifts.
Choose packaging that fits the cookie dimensions snugly without crushing them.
Recipes for Square Cookies Without Cutters
Here are some top-rated recipes for square cookies to try:
Perfect Sugar Cookies
These classic vanilla sugar cookies are tender yet sturdy enough for cutting crisp edges.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic and chill at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Working with one disk at a time, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares using a ruler and knife.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Brown Butter Hazelnut Shortbread
These nutty, extra-rich cookies are perfect for crisp edges and buttery flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat the browned butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in the hazelnuts, vanilla and salt.
- Add the flour and stir just until combined. Shape into a disk, wrap and chill 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely before removing from pan.
Chocolate Crackle Cookies
These fun cookies are topped with powdered sugar that cracks as they bake for a signature look.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- Powdered sugar, for topping
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and chill at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares.
- Top each square lightly with powdered sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes until set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a knife or pizza cutter to cut square cookies?
A sharp chef’s knife is best for cutting neat square shapes. A pizza cutter will likely compress the dough rather than cutting it cleanly. Work slowly with a knife for straight edges.
Can I make square cookies with a rectangle cookie cutter?
Yes, a rectangular cookie cutter is a good shortcut for square cookies. Look for rectangle cutters in sizes like 2×2 inches. Cut squares from the larger rectangle shapes.
What can I do with leftover cookie dough scraps?
Reroll the scraps to a 1/4 inch thickness and cut out more shapes. Or, press them into a mini tart pan and bake as a cookie tart. You can also freeze scoops of dough for baking later.
Should I flour the top of square cookies before baking?
It’s not necessary to flour the tops, but you can sprinkle lightly with sugar before baking for an extra sweet crackled effect. Many types of decorations can also be applied.
Can I make square cookies from slice-and-bake dough?
Yes, chill slice-and-bake dough thoroughly then use a ruler and knife to cut straight edges before baking off squares. It may take a bit more effort but works great.
Conclusion
With the right techniques like adequate chilling and evenly-spaced cutting, square cookies are totally achievable at home without any special tools. Use sharp edges and flat, non-stick baking surfaces to maintain the uniquely satisfying shapes.
Experiment with different dough recipes, decorating styles, and packaging to create picture-perfect square cookies for any occasion. Your uniformly-shaped treats will look extra professional but using this easy DIY method.