Christmas cookies are mostly a question of shape, so a cutter that bends, sticks or tears the dough can ruin a whole tray. It’s a small tool, but small differences in the metal, the rim and the size change how the cookie comes out.
Below are seven sets for different bakers, including what an independent review found, good and bad. For cutters you’d use all year, start with our main cookie cutter guide.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. We have not used these cutters ourselves. Recommendations rest on maker and listing details and on GearLab’s published review, which we name below.
Quick verdict: which Christmas cutters to buy
Buy the Ateco Stainless Steel Christmas Cookie Cutters if you want plain stainless in classic shapes. For the most shapes and room to decorate, the Ann Clark Set of 11 is made in Vermont, though an independent review found it flimsy. For a family project, the Fox Run Christmas Village set builds a small gingerbread town.
Five Christmas cutter sets side by side
The five sets that cover the most bakers.
| Pick | Best for | Material | Standout detail | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly bakers | Stainless steel | Six classic shapes | View on Amazon | |
Ann Clark Christmas Cookie Cutters, Set of 11Best variety
|
Decorating days | Steel | Eleven shapes, made in USA | View on Amazon |
Fox Run Christmas Village Gingerbread House Cutter Set, 22-PieceBest project set
|
Family projects | Stainless steel | Four mini house styles | View on Amazon |
R&M Christmas Linzer Cookie Cutter Set, 6-PieceBest for Linzer
|
Jam cookie makers | Steel | Linzer window cutters | View on Amazon |
The Fussy Pup Copper Snowman Cookie Cutters, 3-PieceBest keepsake
|
Gift givers | Copper, lead-free solder | Handmade in Indiana | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best christmas cookie cutters
1. Ateco Stainless Steel Christmas Cookie Cutters, 6-Piece – Plain Stainless, Classic Shapes
Ateco has been making baking tools for a long time, and this is a simple boxed set of six stainless steel Christmas shapes: tree, bell, angel, gingerbread boy, shepherd and star. Each measures about 2-1/2 inches. That’s small for a showpiece cookie, but it’s a good size for a tin of cookies to give away, and you get more cookies from a batch of dough.
We put it first because of the metal. GearLab’s cutter review says stainless steel cutters cut the cleanest, and that metal tends to do better than plastic. That review didn’t include this exact set. It did test Ateco’s snowflake set, listed below, and found thin edges could brown a little early and that it wasn’t the most comfortable in the hand. Press with a folded towel if the edge bothers you.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel, per the listing.
- Six traditional Christmas shapes.
- About 2-1/2 inches each.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 4842 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | About 2-1/2 inches |
| Pieces | 6 |
| Shapes | Tree, bell, angel, gingerbread boy, shepherd, star |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy this if you make Christmas cookies every year and want a set that won’t rust if it’s dried properly. It suits bakers who give cookies away and want lots of small ones.
Skip it if you want large cookies to decorate in detail. At 2-1/2 inches, there isn’t much room for icing work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Traditional shapes
- From a baking-supply maker
Cons
- Small
- Thin top edge, based on a review of another Ateco set
2. Ann Clark Christmas Cookie Cutters, Set of 11 – Eleven Shapes, Made in Vermont
This is the biggest Christmas shape count on the page: snowflake, star, tree, gingerbread man, angel, reindeer, candy cane, sweater, mitten, snowman and lightbulb. Most run between 3-1/2 and 4 inches, so there’s room for icing. Ann Clark calls itself America’s largest cookie cutter maker, and says it’s family owned and makes these at its factory in Rutland, Vermont, from certified food-safe American steel.
GearLab tested this set, and its findings are mixed. The reviewers called it rather flimsy, said it isn’t stainless and so is more prone to rust, and one cutter arrived bent. So buy this for the shapes and the size, reshape any cutter by hand, and dry them right after washing.
Why we like it
- Eleven Christmas shapes.
- Made in Rutland, Vermont, per the maker.
- Sizes up to about 4-1/4 inches.
- Sold by Ann Clark when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | A6-137 |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel, not stainless per GearLab |
| Size | Up to about 4-1/4 inches |
| Pieces | 11 |
| Shapes | Eleven Christmas shapes |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
This suits a family decorating day, when you want lots of different large shapes and American manufacture matters to you.
Skip it if you want a rigid cutter. GearLab found this set flimsy and more prone to rusting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most shapes here
- Large enough to decorate
- Made in USA
Cons
- Flimsy, per GearLab
- Can rust if left wet
- One bent cutter in GearLab’s set
3. Fox Run Christmas Village Gingerbread House Cutter Set, 22-Piece – A Whole Mini Village
This one isn’t really for flat cookies. It has 18 stainless steel cutters from 0.5 to 4 inches, which make four different styles of small gingerbread house, plus two steel icing cones and two disposable bags. Fox Run makes the case that baking your own houses beats a pre-made kit that can arrive broken, and it’s pitched as a family project.
It comes in a color gift box, and Fox Run says it’s top rack dishwasher safe, or hand wash and dry immediately. Doesn’t include food, candy or icing. Plan on a fairly stiff dough, since the pieces have to stand up and hold together. That advice is our own, and the listing suggests gingerbread or sugar cookie dough.
Why we like it
- 18 stainless cutters for four house styles.
- Includes icing cones and bags.
- Gift box.
- Top rack dishwasher safe, per Fox Run.
Key specifications
| Model | 48750 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 0.5 to 4 inches |
| Pieces | 22 including icing tools |
| Shapes | Four house styles |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose this for a family that wants a December project and a gift that’s ready to open. It also makes a nice centerpiece once built.
Skip it if you just want quick cookies. Building houses takes time, and there’s a lot of small pieces to keep track of.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unusual project
- Gift ready
- Stainless steel
Cons
- Many small parts
- Not a general cutter set
4. R&M Christmas Linzer Cookie Cutter Set, 6-Piece – Windows for Jam Cookies
Linzer cookies need a center cut-out so the jam shows, and this set is built for that with six Christmas shapes: angel, candy cane, Bethlehem star, bell, tree and ornament. R&M, a family-owned business in Pennsylvania according to another of its listings, describes these as high-quality steel for crisp, defined shapes.
The listing also says they work for plain cut-outs, which gives you some extra use. Care is hand wash and dry thoroughly before storing. Steel that isn’t stated as stainless should be dried well. The parent guide to cookie cutters has R&M’s traditional Linzer set if you want shapes that work all year.
Why we like it
- Six Christmas Linzer shapes.
- Steel, per the listing.
- Works for plain cut-outs too.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 1848 |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel |
| Size | Not stated |
| Pieces | 6 |
| Shapes | Angel, candy cane, star, bell, tree, ornament |
| Dishwasher | No, hand wash |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
This is for someone who makes jam-filled cookies at Christmas and wants them to look like they came from a bakery. It’s a specialist’s set, and a nice gift for that person.
Skip it if you never make sandwich cookies. A plain cutter set is easier to use for everything else.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Right tool for Linzer
- Christmas-only shapes
- Clear care guidance
Cons
- Hand wash and dry
- Sizes not stated
5. Ateco Plain Edge Snowflake Cutter Set, 5-Piece – Graduated Snowflakes in a Case
This one comes with independent testing behind it, and it’s mixed. GearLab tested this 5-piece set and found that the thin edges sometimes crisped before the rest of the cookie, and that it was among the least comfortable sets in its group. On the plus side, it was one of two sets with a storage case, and stainless is what GearLab says cuts cleanest.
The listing itself says very little beyond stainless steel, five pieces and snowflake shapes in assorted sizes. A snowflake has lots of fine points, and these do reward cold dough and a light hand. Chilling the cut shapes before baking should help them keep their points. That’s general baking advice rather than anything from the listing.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel.
- Five snowflake shapes and sizes.
- Storage case, per GearLab.
- Sold by Amazon when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | 4843 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | Assorted, not stated |
| Pieces | 5 |
| Shapes | Snowflakes |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy this for a baker who wants just snowflakes in graduated sizes, for stacking or for a white-iced winter tray.
Skip it if comfort matters most. GearLab rated these among the least comfortable it tried, so choose a softer rim.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Graduated sizes
- Keeps in a case
Cons
- Uncomfortable, per GearLab
- Edges can crisp early, per GearLab
6. The Fussy Pup Copper Snowman Cookie Cutters, 3-Piece – A Keepsake Handcrafted in Indiana
This is a family of three solid copper snowmen, 5, 4 and 3 inches, handcrafted in Indiana according to the listing. Copper makes them a gift to hang in the kitchen between batches. Fussy Pup says the solder is lead-free, which is exactly what we’d want to see on a handmade metal food tool, and it includes a recipe and gift-ready packaging.
The seller is a small workshop, Charles and Kimberlys Workshop, and it guarantees the cutters against defects with a refund or replacement. Copper needs hand washing and towel drying, and it isn’t the thing to leave in soapy water. Our main cutter guide has its ornament set if you prefer that shape.
Why we like it
- Solid copper, lead-free solder, per the listing.
- Handcrafted in Indiana.
- Three nested sizes.
- Includes a recipe and gift packaging.
Key specifications
| Model | snowmanset |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid copper |
| Size | 5, 4 and 3 inches |
| Pieces | 3 |
| Shapes | Snowman family |
| Dishwasher | No, hand wash |
| Warranty | Stated guarantee against defects |
| Made in | USA (Indiana) |
Why we recommend it
This is the one to give someone who already has plenty of cutters. It suits a baker who likes to keep good tools on display.
Skip it if you want a full range of shapes. Snowmen are all you get.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stated lead-free solder
- American handmade
- Nice to display
Cons
- Single theme
- Needs hand drying
7. R&M Christmas Soft-Grip Cookie Cutter Gift Set, 4-Piece – Cushioned Tops for Small Hands
Children press with their palms, and a thin steel rim isn’t kind to a small hand. These four cutters have cushioned soft-grip handles: star 3.5 inches, snowflake 3.25 inches, gingerbread 4 inches and tree 2.75 inches. There’s a recipe card in the box. GearLab’s review points out that softer rims are easier on little hands.
The listing makes no specific age claim, and these are still cutters, so children should bake with an adult. It doesn’t state the metal type or how to wash them. Treat the soft grips gently, hand wash, and dry them well. R&M says it’s a family-owned business in Pennsylvania.
Why we like it
- Cushioned soft-grip handles.
- Four useful Christmas shapes.
- Recipe card included.
- Sold by R&M when we checked.
Key specifications
| Model | Z0059 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Size | 2.75 to 4 inches |
| Pieces | 4 |
| Shapes | Star, snowflake, gingerbread, tree |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose this for a kitchen with young helpers, or for anyone with sore hands who finds thin metal rims uncomfortable.
Skip it if you need lots of shapes or want a set that the listing fully describes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comfortable handles
- Good starter set
- Recipe card
Cons
- Only four shapes
- Materials and care not stated
Which set suits which baker
Yearly cookie tins: Ateco’s six. Decorating with children: Ann Clark’s eleven, or the R&M soft-grip set for the smallest hands. A December project: Fox Run. Jam cookies: the R&M Linzer set. A gift for a keen baker: the Fussy Pup copper snowmen.
Cutters are only part of the job. For patterned cookies, see our guide to cookie stamps, and for recipes, our holiday cookbook picks.
How to choose holiday cookie cutters
Metal or plastic
GearLab says metal tends to produce better results than plastic, and that stainless steel cuts the cleanest. It adds that dull plastic edges can make you twist the cutter, which distorts the shape. Plastic can be more comfortable, particularly for children.
Stainless or plain steel
Plain steel can rust. GearLab said so about Ann Clark’s set, which it found more prone to rust because it isn’t stainless. Whatever you buy, wash it and dry it right away. Don’t let it air dry in a rack.
Size
Small cutters give you more cookies, and they suit a mixed tin. Large ones, around 4 inches, leave room for icing work. Check the listing, because some sets don’t say.
Rim
The rim is what you press on. A thin rim can hurt with long sessions, and a wide or cushioned one is kinder. GearLab found Wilton’s wide plastic lip comfortable to press, and marked down thinner rims.
How we picked these seven cutter sets
We looked for Christmas-themed sets from identifiable makers, kept only those in stock with a new lead offer, and left out any set on our main cutter guide. We read every listing for the material, the size and the care.
We have not used these cutters. GearLab’s review, Best Cookie Cutters, is the one independent test we could read, and it covered two of these sets, Ann Clark’s 11-piece and Ateco’s snowflakes. We report what it said about both, including the criticism. The other five rest on listing details alone.
Christmas cookie cutter questions, answered
Are metal cookie cutters better than plastic?
GearLab found that metal tends to give better results because it’s harder, and that stainless cuts the cleanest. It also says plastic is easier on little hands.
How do you keep Christmas cookie cutters from rusting?
Wash by hand and dry right away, particularly plain steel. GearLab found the non-stainless Ann Clark set more prone to rust. Fox Run says its stainless set can go on the dishwasher’s top rack, but it still advises you to dry it right away by hand if you wash by hand.
What size cutter is best for decorating?
Larger, about 3-1/2 to 4 inches, gives you more room for icing. Ann Clark’s set falls in that range. Small 2-1/2-inch cutters like Ateco’s are better for plain cookies and big batches.
Are copper cookie cutters safe to use?
The Fussy Pup listing says its copper cutters use lead-free solder and are made for food safety. For any handmade metal cutter, check that the maker makes a statement about solder.
What’s a Linzer cutter for?
It cuts a small window in the top cookie, so the jam shows through. The R&M set does this in six Christmas shapes.
Our final pick for the cookie tray
For most bakers, the Ateco set is the plain and sensible choice. If you want more shapes and bigger cookies, buy the Ann Clark knowing what GearLab found. For recipes, see our cookie cookbook guide, and for a different kind of holiday table, read about Mexican Christmas food. If you’re too busy baking to cook dinner, call to order from Julia’s.