Cookie cutter 610673 223317826 2008-07-03T15:18:34Z Kevinwells 7335925 minor expansion of info for clarification [[Image:CookieCuttersAl.jpg|thumb|Some Simple Cut Out Cookie Cutters]] A '''cookie cutter''' is a tool to cut out [[cookie]] [[dough]] in a particular shape. They are often used for seasonal occasions when well-known decorative shapes are desired, or for large batches of cookies where simplicity and uniformity are required. ==Types & Variations== *Cutouts: Usually made out of Copper, Tin, Stainless Steel, Aluminum or Plastic. Cut outs are the most simplist of cookie cutters and only "cut out" the shape in the dough. *Detail Imprint: Commonly Made out of Copper & Tin or Plastic. Detail Imprints not only cut out the dough they also leave an imprint in the dough that will last through baking. *Cookie Molds: Usually made out of wood or ceramic or plastic. [[Springerle]] molds are the most ancient of examples (can be traced back to the 14th century) and perhaps the beginning of cookie & cracker shaping. *[[Cookie press]]: Automated or hand operated press used to make large batches of cookies quickly ==Uses== Besides their defined use "to cut shapes out of dough", they can also be used but not limited to for cutting and shaping [[tea sandwich]]es. The term "[[cookie-cutter]]", when used as a noun or adjective, can also mean "lack of originality or distinction" <ref>{{cite web| title=Definition of cookie-cutter | url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/cookie%20cutter}}</ref>, a reference to the uniformity that results from the use of a cookie cutter. ==References== {{reflist}} == See also == *[[Cookie-cutter]] *[[Cookie decorating]] *[[Category:Food utensils]] {{cooking-tool-stub}}