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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
You sent the invitations for the holiday cookie decorating party, and now you must bake hundreds of cookies. A cookie press can make that onerous job a little easier. Once filled with dough, cookies can be rapidly squeezed onto a prepared baking sheet rather than spooning or scooping each by hand.
There are a few considerations as you wade into the world of cookie presses. Most come in metal or plastic, and there are advantages to each. Plastic is more affordable, while metal is more durable. You'll also want to consider any accessories or additional features a cookie press offers. For example, disks are always included, but quantities vary, and some cookie presses double as frosting guns with tips, which might come in handy for your project. With a little guidance, you can find the best press for your needs, whether you're making gorgeous spritz cookies or blank canvases awaiting delicious buttercream frosting.
Here are the best cookie presses.
Best Overall
Oxo Good Grips Cookie Press Set
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Amazon
Ergonomic lever
Nonslip base
Clear tube
Includes storage box for disk templates
Dough can get stuck above plunger
OXO products are known for being reliable and durable, and this cookie press is no exception. The plastic press has a transparent cylinder to easily see when you are running low on dough, and it has a nonslip base to keep it secure during use. The 12 stainless steel disks come in a variety of templates, including flower and butterfly with additional sets of disks can be purchased for holidays and birthday parties.
Some reviewers comment that your dough can get above the plunger, and you might have to reload the dough into the press. Otherwise, this has a comfortable grip and comes with a handy storage case to keep your disks together, and it disassembles easily for efficient cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $34
Dimensions: 7.7 x 3.05 x 12.4 inches | Includes: Gun and 12 disks | Material: Plastic
Best Budget
Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press
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Amazon
Comfortable handle
Easy to clean
Clear tube
Disks prone to cracking
This affordable model from powerhouse baking brand Wilton has a comfortable handle with a soft-grip trigger. The clear dough tube allows you to see when it needs to be refilled, and the included 12 plastic disks come in a variety of designs, including pumpkins and hearts.
The Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press comes apart easily and should be washed by hand before drying thoroughly. Some reviewers comments that the disks can crack and break. Compatible fondant, rollers, and cut-out sets may be purchased separately to broaden its functionality.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 5.48 x 2.33 x 8.61 inches | Includes: Gun and 12 disks | Material: Plastic
Best with Storage
Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press & Storage Box
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Amazon
Clear dough tube
Variety of shapes included
Includes decorating tips
Doesn't work well when completely full
If organization is a concern in your kitchen, opt for this model that comes with a storage box to keep everything tidy. The Kuhn Rikon Cookie Press comes with an impressive 14 disks, six decorating tips, and even a camel disk for quirky cookies. There is a star-shaped template for cheese straws, and the decorating tips make frosting your cooled cookies a cinch.
Crafted from stainless steel and plastic, hand washing is recommended. It comes apart with ease, and a recipe book is included. The clear cylinder allows you to see when you're running low on dough and also makes it easy to discern if it's been thoroughly cleaned. The motion is similar to a glue gun with a comfortable grip.
Price at time of publish: $42
Dimensions: 8.5 x 2.75 x 12 inches | Includes: Gun, 6 tips, 14 disks, recipe book | Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Best Set
Cuisinart Cookie Press Set
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Amazon
Different selection of disks and piping tips
Dishwasher Safe
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Plastic barrel may crack with use
The Cuisinart Cookie Press stands apart from the other cookie presses on this list because of the different cookie disks and piping tip attachments it comes with. This is the only collection we found that includes disks for number-shaped cookies, which make up 9 of the 18 disks provided. The non-numbered disks include traditional press shapes like flowers, holiday designs, and geometric shapes. The cookie press set also includes five piping tips and an injector tip for filling and frosting cupcakes — ideal for those who aren't comfortable using a piping bag. The lightweight versatility of this set is hard to beat.
The clear barrel, body, and tips of this cookie press set are all made of plastic and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Since the press is made of plastic, many reviewers note that you should avoid using especially dense or chilled dough in the press. We like that the press comes with instructions and a handy recipe book for those who are just getting started on their cookie-making journey. A limited lifetime warranty is also offered, which may cover your press if it cracks, but doesn't cover shipping and handling to have it fixed or replaced.
Price at time of publish: $26
Dimensions: 2.5 x 6.13 x 10.25 inches | Includes: Gun, 18 disks, 5 piping tips, 1 injector tip, recipe book | Material: Plastic
Best Heavy Duty
Marcato Atlas Biscuit Maker Cookie Press
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Amazon
Multiple color options
Comfortable grip
Adjustable cookie setting
Elegant design
Not transparent
Pricey
The metal Marcato Atlas Deluxe comes in several color options sure to suit all tastes, and the impressive 20 disks included allow maximum flexibility with the types of cookies or biscuits you want to bake. The heavy-duty design handles doughs of many different textures with ease, and you can adjust your cookie size with the turn of a knob. It's easy to use and also easy to clean and refill. The durable steel construction is reliable and comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. This cookie press is on the expensive side, but the elegant design is a welcome addition to any kitchen collection.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 8.75 inches | Includes: Gun and 20 disks | Material: Anodized aluminum, steel, and ABS plastic
Best Metal
Wilton Preferred Press 13-Piece Cookie Press
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Amazon
Corrosion-resistant
Easy to clean
Clear dough tube
Threads on tube may strip
The Wilton Preferred Press has a squeeze-trigger handle and clear cylinder for maximum visibility. The included 12 disks are stainless steel, and the Wilton Fit Right construction makes them interchangeable with other Wilton cookie presses. Plus, its raised base makes it easy to swap out any of those cookie disks, allowing for variety in your cookie batches.
The metal and plastic blend of materials is corrosion-resistant, and it is easy to disassemble for thorough hand wash and dry when finished. A manual with detailed instructions and a recipe booklet with guidance for classic and chocolate spritz cookies and cheese crackers are included.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 8.75 x 2.6 x 11 inches | Includes: Gun, 12 disks, recipe book | Material: Metal and plastic
“Fill a cookie press with dough that is not too soft. Too-soft dough doesn't give a clean cut to each cookie, and the more lines or angles the disk has (think tiny Christmas tree shapes), the more unevenly raised the drop will be. Slightly chilled dough is good. If it's too cold, then it's too hard to pass through the press.” — Mark Seaman, Special Applications Chef at Barry Callebaut
Best for Icing
MasterClass Deluxe Stainless Steel Cookie Press/Icing Gun Set
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Amazon
Versatile
Storage box included
Durable
Not transparent
The MasterClass Deluxe Cookie Press has an adjustable trigger-action nozzle, allowing for more control over your cookie or frosting flow, and the handle’s design offers a comfortable grip. The included eight stainless steel icing tips and 13 cookie disks make this press a versatile addition to your kitchen.
It is constructed from durable stainless steel with a plastic handle and tube ends. Hand washing is recommended, and don’t forget to dry thoroughly to maintain your stainless steel in optimal shape. Spritz cookies, flaky biscuits, and frosted cupcakes are a snap with this cookie press, and it comes with an attractive storage box to keep everything organized.
Price at time of publish: $59
Dimensions: 8.43 x 2.91 x 12.01 inches | Includes: Gun and 21 tips/discs | Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Best for Cheese Straws
Fante's Easy Cookie Press
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Amazon
Ideal for firm doughs
Fante's family recipes included
Easy to switch designs while in use
Slight learning curve to operate
Some people live for the piles of sugar cookies over the holidays, and others can't wait to lay their hands on the salty cheese straws. With this cookie press, you can have the best of both worlds. This traditional Italian press is made completely of metal, which helps it stand up to the firmer doughs of cheese straws, butter, and semolina cookies. Instead of a trigger grip-operated plunger, this press is operated with a crank-style handle that pushes the plunger for more leverage and ease when piping the dough.
You won't find the same large selection of cookie designs with this press that you will with some of the more contemporary cookie presses. Instead, there are four small traditional designs that are all lined up on a metal strip at the base of the press, including a star, waves, crinkle, and two circles that can be used for piping two narrow strips or twisted together while piping. The edge of the die strip is bent to help maneuver the strip easily, as well as keep a working distance between the press and your cookie tray.
Using this press will likely take a little bit of practice, but it comes with complete instructions as well as time-honored Fante's family recipes intended for use in this particular style press. It's made of heavy-duty aluminum and should be hand-washed and dried only. It also comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty should the press have any defects.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Includes: Crank-style press with sliding die-cut design strip | Material: Aluminum
If you've ever been lucky enough to visit Fante's Kitchen Shop, located in the heart of the Italian Market in South Philadelphia for over 100 years, you've experienced first-hand the shop's dedication to reliable and traditional cooking and bakeware. This old-school Italian press was created specifically for Fante's by the global kitchenware producer, HIC, and helps keep the tradition of classic nonna-style Italian baking alive.
Best Comfort Grip
Wilton Comfort Grip Cookie Press
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Amazon
Comfortable grip
Affordable
Clear dough tube
Plastic weakens over time
Once a way of preserving cheese in the South, cheese straws have become a staple of snack boards. The Wilton Comfort Grip cookies press is an affordable option that includes a star-shaped disk for making cheese straws at home. The 12 plastic disks included offer a variety of fun shapes for cookie baking. Constructed entirely of plastic, this press offers a clear dough tube for easy visibility. It is easy to squeeze, simple to disassemble, and the fluted bottom raises the press off of the baking sheet ensuring precise shapes.
Price at time of publish: $26
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.25 x 8.5 inches | Includes: Gun and 12 disks | Material: Plastic
Best Italian-Style
Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker
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Amazon
Nonstick
Makes crispy waffle cookies
Electric
Only makes two 5-inch cookies
Pizzelle are traditional Italian waffle cookies that can be served crispy or soft. They can be served alone, sandwiched with cannoli cream, or even rolled up with hazelnut spread. But you definitely need special equipment to make the beautiful baked-in designs.
The Cucina Pro makes two 5-inch pizzelle cookies at a time, and a recipe book is included. Its food-grade nonstick finish wipes clean easily when you're done baking, the steam guard protects hands from burns, and the extra-thick baking plate ensures even heat distribution. It heats up rapidly to get your finished product on the table quickly.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 10.25 x 10 x 5 inches | Includes: One electric cookie press | Material: Nonstick-coated stainless steel
“For cookies that are slightly crisp on the outside and chewy inside, bake from cold (refrigerated dough) rather than room temperature or frozen. Be sure to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.” — Erin Kanagy-Loux, Chef, Consultant, and Bakery Operations Specialist
The OXO Good Grips model is our top choice due to its variety of stainless steel disks, included storage case, comfortable grip, and clear dough tube. If you are looking for a press to make Italian pizzelle cookies, go for the Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker; it's easy to clean, delivers cookies rapidly, and the nonstick finish makes for intricately imprinted cookies.
What to Look For in a Cookie Press
Materials
Metal and plastic are the two common choices. Metal presses tend to be more durable, but need extra attention to prevent rust and corrosion. Plastic presses are usually more affordable, but tend to be less reliable and prone to cracking. If you are looking to make cheese straws or spritz cookies, be sure to purchase a model that has stainless steel disks, as the dough is usually firmer and needs strong disks to hold shape.
Design
Presses that come with a clear dough tube have an advantage: They allow you to see how much dough you have left and when you need to refill. Metal presses tend to be heavy-duty and less prone to cracking, but you will not know when it is time to refill until it runs out.
Another consideration with design is the type of handle. Presses that employ rotating handles to extrude the dough require less pressure. Plunger handles require more hand and wrist strength, but offer more control with the amount of dough being pushed out.
Accessories
The more disks you can get with your gun, the more functional it is. Beyond the amount of disk templates, some models come with icing tips or nozzles that can aid in decorating cookies and cakes. A storage box is another accessory that is nice to have.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Some cookie presses advertise that they're dishwasher safe, but beware. This often refers to certain parts of the press and only on the top rack. It is always better to wash your press by hand, as there are nooks and crannies a dishwasher will not reach. If you have a metal model, be sure to completely dry your press once it is clean to prevent any rust or corrosion.
FAQs
How do you use a cookie press?
Cookie presses can simplify your kitchen task list, especially when a cookie decorating party is on the agenda. They're easy to use; refer to the following steps:
- Fill the container with a consistent dough.
- Select a disk and affix it to the end of cookie press, screwing the ring on to the end.
- Position the press above the baking sheet, and then depress the plunger to release cookies onto the sheet.
- Decorate with any colored sugars or toppings.
- Bake as directed.
Find more tips in our cookie press guide.
How do you decorate pressed cookies?
Sugars and toppings like almonds or cherries should go on before baking cookies. For frostings, wait until cookies are completely cooled to pipe anything on.
Can you use a cookie press for frosting?
The short answer is yes. For frosting, you will need tips that fit the gun, but some models come with these accessories. You can also use a cookie press for other applications, like filling deviled eggs, eclairs, or cream puffs.
Are cookie press discs interchangeable?
It depends. The disks sold by a company for a particular model are interchangeable. For example, the extra holiday Oxo disks can be used with the Oxo press even though they did not come with it. Sometimes disks can be interchangeable among brands, but it depends on the size of the dough tube opening.
Can all types of dough be used in a cookie press?
Doughs that are soft, but not sticky work best. Macaroons, butter cookies, spritz dough, or even cheese straw dough all work well in cookie presses. Never use dough with large chunks of chocolate chips or nuts as they can clog or break your press.
How do you clean a cookie press?
Because of their nooks and crevices where dough can hide, it is always best to hand wash a cookie press. Some plastic models advertise as dishwasher safe, but be sure to check the instructions, as this is usually only referring to parts of the press and on the top rack only. Especially for metal presses, be sure to wash in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly when finished.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, material, or price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Carrie Honaker is a food writer who believes in eating dessert first. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has baked thousands of cookies, pies, and cakes. She knows the importance of good tools when dealing in the chemistry of baking. Her work has appeared in many publications including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.
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