How to Cut Cookie Shapes Without Cutters
Working with a paper template is a simple way to create any cookie shape without special tools.
The easiest and fastest way to cut cookie dough is to use cookie cutters. Today there are thousands of shapes available, and they are indeed very convenient to use.
However, buying a large collection of cutters is not always practical.
If you are just starting with cookie decorating, there is no reason to immediately invest in a big set of tools.
The same applies when working with custom orders. Each project may involve new characters, new shapes, and new designs. It is impossible to own cutters for every possible design, and sometimes there simply isn’t enough time to wait for a cutter to be manufactured or delivered.
In these situations, a universal technique becomes extremely useful — cutting cookies using a paper template.
What You Need
The process is very simple:
- Find an image of the shape you want.
- Print it in the required size.
- Carefully cut it out along the outline.
- Place the template on the dough and cut the shape with a knife.
You can use:
- a craft knife with a thin sharp blade
- or a small kitchen knife
For many years I used an ordinary kitchen knife, and it works perfectly well for clean, precise results.
It is important to hold the knife perpendicular to the work surface. This keeps the cut straight and prevents the cookie edges from leaning to one side.
How to Keep the Shape When Transferring
To prevent the cookie from deforming, it is easier to transfer it to the baking tray together with the paper template, and then carefully remove the template afterward.
If you are using a cookie cutter, it is also better to remove it after the cookie has been transferred to the baking sheet.
This helps keep the shape even and prevents the dough from stretching during the transfer.
When Cookie Cutters Are More Convenient
If you need to bake a large number of cookies with the same shape, cookie cutters make the process much faster and ensure perfect consistency.
However, for one-off orders — especially when working with different characters and custom designs — a paper template is often more practical.
For many years, when I worked with custom orders, I cut cookie shapes almost exclusively using templates. Children’s parties, cartoon characters, game heroes — every order required something new. Ordering a separate cutter for each design simply didn’t make sense.
In these situations, paper templates provide complete freedom: you can create any shape in any size without depending on ready-made tools.