Bonus: Making an assortment of customizable shapes for your cookie swap is guaranteed to steal the show.
For Precision: The Tin Strip Method
To make the most precise and sturdy cutter, purchase a 1-inch wide tin strip coil. Then, print out the image (true to size) of what you want to make to get an accurate measure of how much material you’ll need. Next, use a string to outline the design. Cut the string once you have traced the entire perimeter. This will help serve as a measure of how much tin you’ll need to make your desired cookie cutter. Cut the tin strip the same length as the string. Using a needle nose plier, shape the tin to match the outline of the picture, making sure to apply enough pressure to form the correct angles and curves. Use superglue or a hot glue gun to secure the ends of the cutter together.
For Small, Simple Cookies: The Soda Can Method
When you’re not trying to cut out any particularly intricate (or large) cookies, you can use an empty, clean soda can get the DIY cookie-cutter job done fast. First, cut off the top and bottom of the can. Then, cut down the seam of the can (from top to bottom) to create one rectangular sheet. Flatten the metal and cut a long strip of tin about 1-inch wide and the length of the entire can. The only downfall to this method is the limited amount of material available to shape your cutter. However, to give yourself more material for shaping the design, you can always glue together two long strips of metal to increase the length available.
In a Pinch: The Aluminum Foil Method
Though this method is probably the least sturdy of the bunch, it comes in handy for last-minute baking needs. When in a pinch, rely on a roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil as the foundation of your cookie cutter shape. To create, tear a long piece of aluminum foil, large enough to cover the perimeter of the cookie shape you’re creating. Working on a flat surface, begin by folding the foil (about 1-inch wide) over itself until you are left with one long strip. As with the previous methods, use a printed photo as a reference or freehand the design—even if it’s as simple as a heart, having the outlined shape on hand will help your accuracy. Then, secure the ends with superglue, cutting away any excess foil from the strip.
