The 5 Best Cookie Presses

If you enjoy baking cookies, a cookie press allows you to create new varieties. Spritz cookies, shortbread and butter cookies are all typically made with a cookie press. Once your cookie dough is ready and chilled, you fill the cylinder portion of the cookie press with it. Then you use the handle to extrude the dough onto your cookie sheet. It will come out in distinct shapes. You can change the disc to create different shapes. Common shapes are hearts, flowers, and stars. If you're ready to create beautiful shaped cookies, here are five of the best cookie presses available.

Marcato 8307 Atlas Biscuit Maker Cookie Press, Made in Italy, Includes 20 Disc Shapes, Deluxe

Includes 20 Interchangeable Discs

This cookie press is made from durable materials, and built to last.

Best Overall

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In some parts of the world, the word biscuit means cookie. So don’t let this name fool you. This tool is not for making traditional American biscuits, but instead it’ll create beautifully shaped cookies. It’s made from anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and ABS, so it’s meant to last. There’s even a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty. You can create small and large cookies with this press. It’s simple to switch between them, you just need to turn a knob. The disc is easy to switch out. When you have everything set up, you press the handle. This will move the dough down, to help produce consistent results. The cookie press can be disassembled for cleaning. You will want to use warm soapy water to clean all the pieces.

Pros

Durable materials
20 different discs
Comfortable handle

Cons

Doesn’t hold a large volume of cookie dough at once

Wilton Preferred Press Cookie Press, 13-Piece

Easy to Switch Discs

You won't struggle to change the discs on this cookie press. It's very easy to use.

Runner Up

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This cookie press features discs that are easy to swap out. The Fit Right design ensures a proper fit each time, so you won’t have any extra messes to clean up from slipped discs. This set comes with 12 fun shapes, including trees, snowman, pumpkins, and sunburst. The shapes are very kid-friendly. The barrel where the cookie dough goes is clear, so you can easily keep an eye on how much dough is left. The handle doesn’t require a lot of pressure to use. It’s designed with ergonomics in mind. When you’re finished with your cookies, take the time to clean all of the pieces.

Pros

Fun shapes
Easy to push handle
Clear cookie dough barrel

Cons

There’s a learning curve required to make the cookies turn out consistently

OXO Good Grips Cookie Press with Stainless Steel Disks and Storage Case

Comes with a Storage Container for the Discs

You won't have cookie press discs taking over your drawer with this handy storage case.

Best Disc Storage

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One benefit of having several different discs for your cookie press is that you can make cookies in so many shapes. But, if you don’t have a good storage solution, all those discs could wind up lost. That’s why the storage container that comes with this cookie press is so helpful. It stores the twelve discs that come with the press. You’ll get some fun shapes, such as a butterfly, a bear, and a snowflake. You’ll also get some classic ones, such as the Fleur-de-lis and flower. You can also purchase additional disc sets. The discs aren’t the only good thing this cookie press has going on. The base is non-slip, so it’ll stay steady while you’re using it. The cylinder is clear so you can see when it’s time to refill it with dough. And, the handle is comfortable, so your hand won’t get sore after pushing it over and over again. The pieces are easy to take apart when you’re done, and you can clean everything in warm, soapy water.

Pros

Great storage option
A variety of discs
Non-sip base

Cons

Your dough needs to be the right temperature to work consistently

Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press, 13-Piece

Great Starter Cookie Press

If you're not sure if you're going to use your cookie press very often, here's a great starter model to try.

Best on a Budget

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When you aren’t sure how often you’ll use a new kitchen gadget, you may be hesitant to invest a lot of money on it. That’s why this budget friendly option is so great. It’s an inexpensive way for you to try the art of pressed cookie making. If it’s something you enjoy, you can keep using this starter model until you’re ready to upgrade to a more durable model. This plastic cookie press comes with 12 different shaped discs. You’ll find seasonal favorites like turkeys and snowflakes, and designs that are good for any time of year such as doilies and pinwheels. The handle features a soft-grip trigger that’s comfortable to hold onto. It allows you to get a good grip and quickly produce several cookies. The barrel is ultra-clear, so you can easily see if it’s time to refill it.

Pros

Budget friendly
Twelve discs
Soft-grip trigger

Cons

Made of plastic, which may not last as long as metal presses

Marcato 8300 Atlas Biscuit Maker Press, Made in Italy, Includes 20 Cookie Disc Shapes

Make Large or Small Cookies

With the twist of a knob, you can change the size of cookie you extrude.

Best Features

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This metal cookie press is going to last a long time. It’s made from anodized aluminum, steel, and ABS. It’s a heavy-duty cookie press. There are twenty different discs included, including stars, flowers, wreaths, and hearts. The directions are easy to follow, and you’ll be making consistently beautiful cookies in no time. When you’re ready, the barrel is easy to fill. The handle is designed to be comfortable to squeeze. Once you get the hang of it, it’s simple to take it completely apart. Then you can wash all the pieces.

Pros

Heavy duty
Great variety of discs
Easy to clean

Cons

Can’t see through the barrel to know when to refill

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a cookie press work?

When you push the handle on a cookie press, you are applying pressure to the dough inside. This pressure sends part of the dough out through the opening of the barrel. However, the dough will first pass through the disc that is on the end. Pushing the dough through the disc is what creates the unique shapes that these kind of cookies are known for.

What temperature should my cookie dough be?

Cookie presses work better when all of the conditions are favorable. This includes the temperature of the cookie dough. The directions that came with your press may have specific tips about the dough. However, most call for cookie dough at room temperature to help it be soft enough to go through the press easily. If it is too cold, you will need to use too much pressure to extrude it. This can cause pieces to break.

How do I get my cookie dough to stick to the pan?

For best results, you will press the cookie directly onto a metal cookie sheet. If you try to extrude them onto parchment paper, they may stick to that instead and not come off evenly. If you notice that your cookies aren’t coming out consistently, you can scoop them back up and try again. It takes some practice to learn how much pressure to apply.