You don't have to use a cookie cutter to make a shape when making cookies.You can make your own with a few household items.You can use an empty soda can to make a cookie cutter.It's best to use photo paper as a stencil for your cookies if you want to cut a more unusual shape out of the dough.
Step 1: If you want to clean the soda can, use soap and hot water.
Use a bottle cleaner to scrub the inside of the can after pouring out any remaining liquid.Place the can with the opening facing down to dry for at least 3 hours before you start making cookies.You can use a paper towel to clean the inside of the can if you don't have a bottle cleaner.Since the edges can be sharp, be careful around the opening.
Step 2: Use sharp scissors to remove the top and bottom of the can.
If you want to remove the top of the can, you have to push the scissors into it and then cut around it.You can put an aluminum cylinder on the top and bottom of the can.If your scissors aren't sharp enough to cut into the can, try using a box cutter to puncture the metal and then finish cutting with the scissors.The bottom sheet of an oven liner can be cut out with a pair of scissors if you don't have an empty soda can.
Step 3: The strips from the remaining can can be cut with the scissors.
The aluminum can be laid flat on a table if you cut down the side of the cylinder.Carefully cut strips of at least 4 inch (0.64 cm) in width from the can.You can either use a marker to draw guidelines for the strips or make them freehand.Cut across the aluminum sheet you made so that the strips are long.Cut the strips vertically so they are shorter.
Step 4: You can bend the strips into the shapes you like.
Take the strips out of your hands and form them into the shape you want.If they aren't producing the results that you want, you can bend them slightly as needed.If you have a mustache, try tracing it onto a piece of cardboard.Cut the shape out of cardboard and bend the aluminum around the perimeter to make a cookie cutter.Wrap the strips around the cup to make a circle.You can change the shape of the circle by bending it.You can make a triangle, square, or crescent moon.
Step 5: Glue the ends of the cookie cutter together.
When the shape is ready, trim off any excess aluminum and hold the two ends of the strip together.Before using the cookie cutter, seal them with a food-safe glue and let it dry for at least 6 hours.You can attach the edges with regular tape if you don't have food-safe glue.The cookie cutters will be more delicate if you use tape.You can reuse the cookie cutters if you wash them with soap and water.Before storing them, be sure to let them dry completely.
Step 6: Take a piece of photo paper and make a shape out of it.
It's ideal for shapes like logos, animals, or even silhouettes.You can find a picture with a clear, easy-to- follow outline and choose a sturdy photo paper that is labeled as at least 7.5 mil thick.Before handling the paper, let the ink dry for a few minutes.You can trace the outline of the shape on a piece of cardboard if you don't have photo paper.
Step 7: To remove excess paper, cut around the shape.
The shape of the paper can be cut with scissors.Make sure you get as close to the image as possible.If you have trouble with the shape because it is complex, try working in small sections at a time.If you are making a cookie cutter for letters of the alphabet, use a sharp tool, like a craft knife, to cut the interior shapes.
Step 8: On the cookie sheet, put the shape on top of the dough.
Place the stencil at the top of the dough by rolling out a sheet of chilled dough.Place the stencil so that you can make as many cookies as possible.If you are going to bake the cookies immediately, place the dough on top of the sheet of paper to prevent them from sticking to the metal.
Step 9: To trace around the outside of the shape, use a sharp knife.
Hold the stencil in place with your non-dominant hand.Use your dominant hand to cut around the outline of the shape, following the stencil closely to make it as clean as possible.Cut out any shapes that need to be removed from the cookie.You should be careful while cutting and holding the stencil.Your shape might be ruined if the stencil moves.
Step 10: You can reveal the shapes you made by removing the excess dough.
Remove the excess dough from the sheet and set it aside once you have cut out as many shapes as possible.To remove interior cutouts, use a knife or your fingers.Before baking, place the cookies on the sheet.You can reuse the dough that you pulled from the sheet.If you form it into a ball and roll it out again, you can make a smaller sheet of dough.You can throw your cookie cutter away once you have cut out all of your cookies.You should not reuse it since it is made of paper and cannot be cleaned.