You’ve sent out invitations for the holiday cookie decorating party, and now the task of baking hundreds of cookies awaits. A cookie press can make this job significantly easier. Once you fill the press with dough, you can quickly squeeze cookies onto a prepared baking sheet, avoiding the need to spoon or scoop each one by hand.
There are several factors to consider when selecting a cookie press. They are generally made of either metal or plastic, each with its benefits. Plastic presses are usually more affordable, whereas metal presses offer greater durability. Additionally, you should consider the accessories and features each press offers. Disks are typically included, but the number can vary, and some cookie presses can also function as frosting guns with included tips, which can be useful for your baking projects. With a bit of guidance, you can find the perfect press for your needs, whether you’re creating beautiful spritz cookies or blank canvases ready for delicious buttercream frosting.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Oxo Good Grips Cookie Press Set
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $34 at Amazon, Food52, Sur La Table
- Pros: Nonslip ergonomic lever, nonslip base, durable stainless steel disks, includes storage box for disk templates
- Cons: Additional Christmas disk designs sold separately
Oxo products are known for their reliability and durability, and this cookie press is no different. Its plastic body features a transparent cylinder, making it easy to see when the dough is running low, which was very useful while making numerous spritz cookies. This press is designed with nonslip finishes on both the handle and base, providing a comfortable grip even when your hands are buttery. The nonslip base enhances control and reduces the likelihood of making misshapen cookies.
While the Oxo press’s body is plastic, the 12 included design disks are made of durable stainless steel, resulting in sharper cookie designs. The disks feature a variety of common and unique templates, such as a flower, tree, butterfly, fleur-de-lis, snowflake, maple leaf, and teddy bear. Additional sets of disks with Christmas and birthday designs can be purchased separately. The set also includes a case specifically designed to hold the disks, preventing them from getting lost or damaged.
When using the press for multiple batches, dough may get stuck behind the plunger when refilling. To avoid damaging the plunger, it’s best to clean out the dough between each use, which can slow you down temporarily. However, the press is easy to disassemble for cleaning and should be hand washed in warm soapy water only.
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 3.05 x 12.4 inches
- Includes: Gun and 12 disks
- Material: Plastic, stainless steel
Best Budget
Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $9 at Amazon, $13 at Walmart, $9 at Target
- Pros: Comfortable handle, clear tube, includes a turkey disk design
- Cons: Plastic disks prone to cracking
This budget-friendly model from Wilton features a comfortable handle with a soft-grip trigger. The clear dough tube lets you see when it needs refilling, and the included 12 plastic disks come in various designs, including pumpkins and hearts.
The Wilton Simple Success Cookie Press is easy to disassemble and should be hand washed and dried thoroughly. Some users have reported that the plastic disks can crack and break. Additional fondant rollers and cut-out sets can be purchased separately to enhance its functionality.
- Dimensions: 5.48 x 2.33 x 8.61 inches
- Includes: Gun and 12 disks
- Material: Plastic
Best Heavy Duty
Marcato Atlas Biscuit Maker Cookie Press
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $60 at Amazon, $135 at Williams-Sonoma
- Pros: Attractive design and color options, crisp professional cookie designs, easily adjustable cookie sizes, durable construction
- Cons: Barrel not transparent, pricey
The Marcato cookie press is one of the more expensive options, but its performance justifies the cost. It creates delicate, professional-looking cookies that will impress anyone who sees them.
Heavier than plastic alternatives, the Marcato press is made mostly of metal with some heavy-duty plastic parts. The metal construction provides durability, though the lack of a transparent barrel means you can’t see the dough level. The 20 included metal disks contribute to the sharpness of the cookie designs. The set includes non-holiday-specific designs like a tree, heart, and several flower shapes.
Using the Marcato press requires a bit of practice, particularly with the first few cookies, but it becomes easier with use. You can adjust the cookie size by turning a small metal plate at the top of the barrel. The set includes 10 cookie recipes with both standard and metric measurements.
Operationally, the press’s small barrel requires frequent refilling, and it can be challenging to disassemble for cleaning with buttery hands. However, the press is easy to wash by hand with warm soapy water.
- 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 Cookie Press
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $100 at Amazon, $10 at Walmart, $27 at JOANN
- Pros: Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, clear dough tube
- Cons: Threads on the tube may strip
The Wilton Preferred Press features a squeeze-trigger handle and clear cylinder for visibility. The 12 included stainless steel disks are interchangeable with other Wilton presses. Its raised base makes it easy to swap disks for variety.
The metal and plastic construction is corrosion-resistant and easy to disassemble for hand washing and thorough drying. The set includes a manual with detailed instructions and a recipe booklet for classic and chocolate spritz cookies and cheese crackers.
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 2.6 x 11 inches
- Includes: Gun, 12 disks, recipe book
- Material: Metal and plastic
Best for Icing
MasterClass Deluxe Stainless Steel Cookie Press/Icing Gun Set
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $56 at Amazon
- Pros: Versatile, storage box included, durable
- Cons: Not transparent
The MasterClass Deluxe Cookie Press features an adjustable trigger-action nozzle for better control over cookie or frosting flow. The handle is designed for a comfortable grip. The set includes eight stainless steel icing tips and 13 cookie disks, making it versatile for various baking needs.
Constructed from durable stainless steel with plastic handle and tube ends, this press should be hand washed and thoroughly dried. It comes with a storage box to keep everything organized.
- Dimensions: 8.43 x 2.91 x 12.01 inches
- Includes: Gun and 21 tips/disks
- Material: Plastic and stainless steel
Best for Cheese Straws
Fante’s Easy Cookie Press
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $25 at Amazon, $32 at Walmart, $25 at Wayfair
- Pros: Ideal for firm doughs, includes Fante’s family recipes, easy to switch designs while in use
- Cons: Slight learning curve
This traditional Italian press, made completely of metal, is ideal for firm doughs like cheese straws and semolina cookies. It uses a crank-style handle for more leverage and ease when piping dough.
Created specifically for Fante’s Kitchen Shop by HIC, this press includes four traditional designs on a metal strip at the base, such as a star, waves, and two circles. It comes with complete instructions and Fante’s family recipes. Made of heavy-duty aluminum, it should be hand-washed and dried only, and comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
- Includes: Crank-style press with sliding die-cut design strip
- Material: Aluminum
Best Large Capacity
Hutzler Easy Action Cookie Press and Decorator Set
PHOTO: COURTESY OF AMAZON
- Price: $20 at Amazon, $21 at Home Depot
- Pros: Larger capacity dough barrel, unique two-color dough disks, dishwasher safe
- Cons: Less delicate cookies, lower-quality feel
Hutzler’s press includes 16 plastic disks and six piping tips for versatile baking projects. Its larger barrel means you can press out more cookies before refilling. It’s easy to use, even for children or those with limited hand strength. This press is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.
- Dimensions: 12.25 x 7.75 x 2.75 inches
- Includes: Gun and 16 disks
- Material: Plastic
Best Italian-Style
Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker
PHOTO: AMAZON
- Price: $40 at Amazon, $50 at Bed Bath & Beyond, $60 at Williams-Sonoma
- Pros: Nonstick, makes crispy waffle cookies, electric
- Cons: Only makes two 5-inch cookies at a time
The Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker is perfect for Italian-style waffle cookies. It features a nonstick finish, steam guard, and extra-thick baking plate for even heat distribution. Making two 5-inch cookies at a time, this electric model is easy to clean and ensures consistent results.
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 5 inches
- Includes: Electric pizzelle maker
- Material: Aluminum with nonstick coating
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a top-notch cookie press, the Oxo Good Grips model is our recommendation. It offers a variety of stainless steel disks, a comfortable grip, and a clear dough tube, making it ideal for consistent cookie shapes. For those interested in Italian pizzelle cookies, the Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker is an excellent choice with its easy-to-clean nonstick finish.
How We Tested
Our baking expert, Jenny Kellerhals, rigorously tested each cookie press by making multiple batches of cookies, evaluating their design, capacity, and ease of cleaning.
What to Look For in a Cookie Press
Materials
Cookie presses come in metal or plastic. Metal ones are more durable but require extra care to prevent rust. Plastic presses are more affordable but can be prone to cracking.
Design
Look for clear dough tubes that let you see when you need to refill. Handle designs vary: rotating handles need less pressure, while plunger handles offer more control over cookie size and shape.
Accessories
Some presses come with multiple disks and icing tips, adding to their versatility. Storage boxes for disks and tips are useful for keeping everything organized.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Hand washing is recommended for all parts. Metal presses should be thoroughly dried to prevent rust. Some plastic models are dishwasher safe; always check the instructions.
FAQs
How do you use a cookie press?
- Fill the container with dough.
- Attach a disk to the press.
- Position the press above the baking sheet and press the handle to release cookies.
- Decorate as desired and bake according to the recipe.
How do you decorate pressed cookies?
Add sugars and toppings before baking. For frosting, wait until cookies are completely cooled before piping.
Can you use a cookie press for frosting?
Yes, with the appropriate tips. Some models come with these accessories for added functionality.
Are cookie press discs interchangeable?
Discs from the same manufacturer for a specific model are usually interchangeable. Discs can sometimes be used across different brands, depending on the size of the dough tube opening.
Can all types of dough be used in a cookie press?
Soft, non-sticky doughs work best in a cookie press. Avoid using doughs with large chunks like chocolate chips or nuts.
How do you clean a cookie press?
Hand washing is best for cleaning cookie presses. Some plastic parts may be dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Metal parts should be dried thoroughly to prevent rust.
