When baking cookies, having the right cookie cutter shape and size is key to getting perfect results. Square cookie cutters can create neat, uniform cookies that look professional. But what if you don’t have a square cookie cutter on hand? Don’t worry, there are plenty of clever household objects that can be substituted as DIY square cookie cutters in a pinch.
Using Kitchen Utensils as Square Cookie Cutters
Several common kitchen tools have square or rectangular shapes that can easily cut square cookies. Here are some utensils to try:
- Spatulas – Metal spatulas with a straight edge can cut nice square shapes.
- Measuring spoons – The square handle of a measuring spoon can cut smaller square cookies.
- Citrus juicer – The squarish holes of a manual citrus juicer provide different sized square cutters.
- Cheese slicer – Sturdy plastic or metal cheese slicers have a straight edge for slicing square pieces.
- Pastry wheel – Straight edged pastry wheels nicely cut squares when pressed into dough.
When using kitchen tools as cookie cutters, choose those with relatively straight or flat edges. Avoid rounded edges which will not cut proper squares. Make sure the tools are clean and food-safe too. Spatulas, juicers, slicers, and wheels with a bit of heft also tend to cut more cleanly through dough.
Household Items for Square Cookie Cutting
Don’t have the right kitchen tools on hand? Many household items that are square or rectangular in shape can also easily cut cookie dough into neat squares or rectangles. Improvising with what is around the home is an easy way to make square cookie cutters in a pinch. Consider using these common household items:
- Cardstock or index cards – Cut squares out of thick paper or cards for clean cuts.
- Aluminum foil – Fold sheets into sturdy squares or rectangles.
- Sponges – Cut uniform squares out of cellulose sponges with a knife or scissors first.
- Legos – Use Lego bricks stacked or combined into square shapes.
- Picture frames – Use the inner square window of a picture frame to cut around.
- Playing cards – Cut squares and rectangles out of thick playing cards.
- CD cases – The square shape of CD jewel cases work perfectly for cutting cookies.
- Books – Use a square book as a guide to cut around.
When using alternate household items as cutters, make sure they have square or rectangular forms. Tracing the item on paper first can ensure it will cut a proper square shape. If the edges are not perfectly straight, use a knife to trim dough. Sturdy items with some thickness work best for cleaner cuts.
Everyday Metal Items for Square Cookie Cutter
Square metal objects provide great impromptu cookie cutters that replicate the sharp cuts of real cutters. Keep an eye out for these handy metal items around the house:
- Nuts and bolts – Square nuts and bolts cut precise cookie squares.
- Metal washers – Look for washers in square and rectangle forms.
- Craft punches – Punches for leather and metal crafts have square and rectangle edges.
- Office supplies – Try square metal brads, binder clips, or bookends.
- Flashlights – Use square flashlight ends as cutters.
- Keys and coins – Cut around the square edges of keys and coins.
- Metal tool handles – The ends of metal tools and handles often have square shapes.
Metal objects make some of the best improvised cookie cutters because of their sturdy materials and sharp corners. When using metal items, make sure they are free of any rough edges and are cleaned thoroughly before cutting cookie dough. Avoid any metals that interact with food, like uncoated iron.
Tips for Using Improvised Square Cookie Cutters
When using makeshift household items or kitchen tools to cut square cookie shapes, follow these tips for success:
- Cut shapes out of cardstock first to test your item makes a proper square shape and size as desired.
- Very lightly flour cutters to prevent dough from sticking.
- Gently press cutters straight down and lift straight up for clean cuts.
- Dip cutters in hot water if dough sticks to cut edges.
- Use a rolling pin to evenly roll dough to desired thickness before cutting shapes.
- Allow cookies to sit briefly after cutting to firm up the shapes before transferring to baking sheets.
- Refrigerate cut dough 5-10 minutes if shapes get distorted or lose their shape.
- Re-roll scraps to cut more cookies rather than reusing same dough, for best results.
With these handy tips, you can easily cut perfect square cookies using many kitchen tools, household objects, or metal items you have on hand. Get creative in the kitchen!
Improvised Item Ideas for Square Cookie Cutters
| Kitchen Tools | Household Items | Metal Items |
|---|---|---|
| Spatulas | Index cards | Hardware nuts |
| Measuring spoons | Aluminum foil | Metal washers |
| Citrus juicer | Sponges | Craft punches |
| Cheese slicer | Legos | Binder clips |
| Pastry wheel | Picture frames | Metal brads |
| Pizza cutter | Playing cards | Bookends |
| Bench scraper | CD cases | Keys |
| Ruler | Books | Coins |
This table summarizes creative kitchen, household, and metal items that can easily substitute for square cookie cutters when needed.
The Best Square Cookie Cutters to Buy
While improvising with makeshift cutters works, purchasing a real square cookie cutter is best for convenience and consistently uniform results. Here are the best square cookie cutters to invest in:
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel cutters are durable, rust-resistant, and food safe. They evenly cut shapes with sharp corners.
- Various sizes: Purchase a cookie cutter set with multiple square sizes from small 1-inch up to 3-inches or larger.
- Thick frame: Opt for a cutter with a frame of at least 1/4-inch thick for stability in cutting dough.
- Non-stick coating: Some steel cutters have a non-stick silicone coating to prevent dough from sticking to cutter edges.
- Comfort grip: Rubberized handles provide comfort and control when pressing cutter into dough.
Here are top rated square cookie cutter sets offering a range of square and rectangle sizes:
| Brand | Number of Shapes | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| OXO | 9 | 1 to 4 inches |
| Ateco | 6 | 1 to 3 inches |
| Spring Chef | 4 | 1 to 3 inches |
| Wilton | 4 | 1.5 to 3 inches |
| Fox Run | 5 | 1 to 2.5 inches |
Purchasing a quality square cookie cutter set like these allows you to easily cut consistent, uniform squares and rectangles in various sizes for all your baking projects.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in a pinch or simply feeling crafty, a variety of common kitchen tools, household items, and metal objects can easily substitute as improvised square cookie cutters. Spatulas, measuring spoons, juicers,Legos, and hardware items are great for cutting square cookies when you don’t have real cookie cutters on hand. For best results though, investing in a set of stainless steel square cookie cutters offers durability and perfect squares every time you bake. With the right homemade tools or quality cutters, baking delicious square cookies is easy.