So you have stumbled upon the awesome world of cut-out sugar cookies and cookie decorating. You've collected some fun Cookie Cutters, and your collection is only growing. Naturally you're going to want to take proper care of these cutters. Many people have asked us how to care for their cookie cutters. For this, we have decided to post some tid-bits of information that we hope will be of use. Cookie cutters can be a great investment that will serve as great tools for you to make tons of yummy decorated sugar cookies.
Generally speaking, all cookie cutters should be hand washed. Here are a few suggestions and more specific information about each of the most common types of cookie cutters:
Tin Cookie Cutters
Tin is the most common material for cookie cutters today. Tin is a relatively low cost material, and thus these cookie cutters are typically very accessible as far as cost goes. Tin is typically very pliable (bends easily.) Some may look at this as a downside to tin, but there are also some advantages. For example, if you want to alter the shape of your cookie cutter, this is done. Imagine wanting a surf board shaped cookie cutter in a jiffy. Naturally you don't have one, but you do have a football one. You can easily flatten the shape out until you've got your board. Hang Ten!
Also if a cookie cutter is bent in an undesirable way, it's usually easy to fix it. When altering or fixing the shape of a tin cutter, use extra caution around the soldered joints so you don't damage them.
Tin cookie cutters should be gently hand washed (avoiding the use of anything abrasive), and dried quickly to prevent rust. If you live in a high-humidity area, it is even suggested that they be dried with a hairdryer, or they can be placed on a baking sheet and dried in a slightly warm over (oven should be heated to a low temperature and then turned off before placing cookie cutters in.) Basically you're just needing to get them dried fast, and thoroughly.
Avoid having the cookie cutters come into contact with anything acidic, as the tinplate can wear off. As said previously, tin cookie cutters will bend easily, so store them with care. You can hang them on hooks, or store them loosely in drawers or bins. If you put them in any container in this fashion, be careful when sorting through them or putting them away not to force them, as this can result in bending. Also, as the cookie cutters hit against each other they may damage the tinplate and thus cause rusting.
Copper Cookie Cutters
Copper Cookie Cutters are usually more expensive than any other type, just because copper is a more expensive material, but people enjoy them for several reasons. First they are often viewed as not merely tools, but collectibles and decorations. Even if someone doesn't bake and decorate cookies, if they collect cow trinkets, they're going to love displaying a classy cow copper cookie cutter. Also, when they are used as tools, they are significantly more sturdy than tin, and will keep their shape much better. Finally, although copper does tend to tarnish, it will not rust as easily as tin might.
Copper cookie cutters should also be hand washed and dried immediately and thoroughly. It is common for copper to tarnish and lose its shine after time. Some actually prefer that look. If you want that luster back, you can restore that new brilliant look with things you probably already have in the home. Immerse the cookie cutters briefly in a very diluted acid such as vinegar with baking soda or lemon juice, and rub off the tarnish with a rag. Rinse with warm water, wipe dry and your copper cookie cutters should be back to their original luster. If necessary, you can even polish with a very fine (#00 or #000) steel wool, but please be very mindful of anything you use to polish or clean with, as copper can scratch easily.
There are also a number of commercial products that polish and clean copper very effectively.
Copper cutters should be stored like tin cookie cutters, either hung up or stored carefully in a drawer or bin.
Plastic Cookie Cutters
Plastic cookie cutters are easy to find, and typically the most cost effective. They'll maintain their form well, and make for a effective general tool. You won't be able to change the form at all, and you probably won't be getting these as a decoration or keepsake. But for getting some cookies cut out and not worrying much about the storing, cleaning, and caring, they're very useful.
As with the other cutters, plastic cookie cutters may be hand washed, but naturally it's not going to matter to toss some in a dish washer. It is not as critical to dry them right away because, of course, they will not rust or tarnish. Keeping them away from a high heat source is important so that they will not warp or melt. Keep this in mind when using a dish washer as small cookie cutters can fall through the rack and end up on the heating element of the washer.
Plastic cutters can be stored just about any way you desire. Of course, they can warp and be damaged, but tyically it's pretty easy to keep them in usable shape.
We hope this article has been helpful and that you will enjoy your cookie cutters for a long time to come.
About The Author:
This information was writen by Mike Summers of Karen's Cookies. Mike and Karen have been working in the Cookie Decorating industry for several years. Visit www.KarensCookies.net to learn more about cookie cutters and cookie decorating, including tutorials, videos, ideas, and links to many other resources.
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