How do you use a cookie press?

“The key to a perfect cookie using a press is not having your dough too moist or too dry. In my experience, a sable dough works the best,” says Lewis. “You fill the press with your favorite sable dough recipe; for best results, I recommend the dough is room temperature when pressing.” “You want to hold the press about 2 inches from your lined baking sheet and press the dispenser until your shape has formed, then release,” she says. “Refrigerate cookies until cold, then bake to ensure your pressed image is flawless.”

How do you clean a cookie press?

Your cookie press should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly after each use. Even if the manufacturer says it is dishwasher-safe, it should only be placed on the top rack. Fully metal presses, like the Marcato Atlas option, should be completely dried after use to prevent rusting.

Can you use a cookie press for frosting?

“You can absolutely use a cookie press for frosting,” says Lewis. However, there are some frostings that work better than others. “American buttercream and a stiff royal icing work the best in my experience,” she says. “I recommend using the frosting at room temperature, then pressing it onto parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm so you can remove the design and decorate your cookie as you see fit.”

What is the difference between a cookie cutter and a cookie press?

A cookie cutter is used on a sheet of flat cookie dough to cut shapes and does not emboss a pattern or change shape to the top of the cookie. A cookie press creates uniform cookies with raised textures on the top. A cookie press is not to be confused with a cookie stamp press, which can be used after using a cookie cutter.

The 5 Best Cookie Presses of 2023, Tested and Expert-Recommended

Want to experiment with cookie varieties outside of the classics? We recommend a cookie press. Cookie presses are the key to getting uniform spritz cookies with minimal mess. Pro tip: Your dough should be at room temperature for the device to function properly, meaning not too cold or sticky.

To determine the best cookie presses on the market, we spoke with a pastry chef and tested two of the most popular models — the OXO cookie press and the Kuhn Rikon cookie press. Keep scrolling to learn more about this must-have baking gadget and why these are our favorites.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Oxo Good Grips Cookie Press Set at Amazon

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Best Value:

Wilton Preferred Press Cookie Press at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Marcato Atlas Biscuit Maker Cookie Press at Amazon

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Best with Storage:

Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press & Storage Box at Amazon

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Best Italian-Style:

Cucina Pro Pizzelle Maker at Amazon

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Amazon

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Pros: The brand is known for its ergonomic designs and non-slip features.

Cons: This is not a dishwasher-safe option.

Compared to other cookie presses that require squeezing a handle to press the cookies out, this one uses a lever function. A non-slip base ensures that it stays put on your cookie tray while in use, and it includes a storage case for the 12 stainless steel disks is included. A set of six festive holiday disks can be purchased separately for even more versatility with your tool.

When we put this model and the Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press to the test, the OXO press came out on top. We found the lever to be easy to operate, resulting in cookies with the perfect consistency. Plus, it won points for the variety of cookie recipes in the included booklet and, overall, made the learning curve of using a cookie press easier to overcome.

Price at time of publish: $34

Material: Plastic, stainless steel
Includes: 12 disks, storage case

Wilton Preferred Press 13-Piece Cookie Press

Amazon

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Pros: This model has a soft grip handle and ergonomic design for optimal comfort.

Cons: The directions are sparse, so it might not be the best option for beginners.

A soft grip handle on this press by Wilton makes it easy to press your cookies in a snap. Plus, the body of the press has an ergonomic shape that makes it more comfortable to hold. Thanks to its see-through design, you know when to add more dough to the barrel. Among the included 12 disks are seasonal options like a snowman, pumpkin, and turkey, plus everyday designs including a starburst and flower. When it’s time to clean up, it comes apart easily to hand-wash and dry.

Price at time of publish: $34

Material: Metal, plastic
Includes: 12 disks, recipe booklet

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Pros: A 10-year manufacturer’s warranty offers peace of mind for your investment.

Cons: The barrel does not let you see how much dough is left inside.

“This Marcato Atlas cookie press is a great tool for professionals and home bakers because it is durable to press a variety of doughs,” says Cassidy Lewis, pastry chef at Saints + Council. “Also, it guarantees longevity by being made from aluminum steel unlike most which are made of plastic.”

With 20 disks included, there are plenty of cookie designs to experiment with using this press. It can adjust sizes from small to large using the top knob, and it disassembles for easy cleaning, which should be done with warm, soapy water. Take your pick of multiple color options, including pink and green, and get pressing.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Anodized aluminum, steel
Includes: 20 disks

Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press & Storage Box

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Pros: Decorating tips and a storage box are included along with the steel disks.

Cons: The handle is not as comfortable as other options.

Thanks to the convenient storage box, you’ll have no problem keeping track of the accessories included with this Kuhn Rikon model. There are 14 disks, six decorating tips, and a recipe booklet included, so you can try different cookies and decorating techniques. Not just for dessert: You can use the star-shaped disk for homemade cheese straws.

Though the OXO Cookie Press performed the best during our tests, we still love and highly recommend this model, as it’s a great value for everything you get. This model received high scores for its storage case and a wide variety of disk options.

Price at time of publish: $42

Material: Plastic, Stainless steel
Includes: 14 disks, 6 decorating tips, recipe booklet, storage box

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Pros: The nonstick surface wipes clean easily after use.

Cons: This only makes pizzelle cookies

Pizzelles, a classic Italian waffle-style cookie, offer hints of vanilla and anise and are often enjoyed during the holiday season. With this CucinaPro Pizzelle Maker, you can make them yourself to enjoy with coffee and company. The nonstick interior offers even heat distribution for golden-brown pizzelle on both sides, plus there’s a steam guard that keeps your hands safe. After you’re done, the plate wipes down with ease. While pizzelles are delicious as is, they can also be quickly molded into cannoli shells or ice cream cones while warm using the end of a tapered rolling pin.

Price at time of publish: $60

Material: Iron
Includes: Recipe booklet

Our Favorite

Cookie presses are useful tools for making perfectly buttery spritz cookies every time. The OXO Good Grips Cookie Press Set takes the top spot on our list for its ergonomic design and disk options. For making pizzelle, the CucinaPro Pizzelle Maker is our favorite pick.

Factors to Consider

Material

Most cookie presses are made of plastic with metal or stainless steel elements. Plastic presses tend to be more affordable but could crack due to a fall or improper use. Metal presses are usually more expensive and durable but could rust if not dried after cleaning.

Ease of Use

There is a bit of a learning curve involved with using cookie presses. Most presses advise that each cookie should be one click or that the level should be squeezed once, but it may vary based on the press or even between disks used in the same tool. A handle with a comfortable grip can make a big difference when you’re pumping out dozens of holiday cookies.

Accessories

How many disks are included? What designs are on them? Is there a recipe booklet or storage case as well? Those are a few questions to ask yourself when shopping for a new cookie press. The more disks included with your press (each option on this list offered 12 or more), the more potential. Decorating tips for icing may also be included, which can add a festive touch to your cookies and baked goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a cookie press?

“The key to a perfect cookie using a press is not having your dough too moist or too dry. In my experience, a sable dough works the best,” says Lewis. “You fill the press with your favorite sable dough recipe; for best results, I recommend the dough is room temperature when pressing.”

“You want to hold the press about 2 inches from your lined baking sheet and press the dispenser until your shape has formed, then release,” she says. “Refrigerate cookies until cold, then bake to ensure your pressed image is flawless.”
How do you clean a cookie press?

Your cookie press should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly after each use. Even if the manufacturer says it is dishwasher-safe, it should only be placed on the top rack. Fully metal presses, like the Marcato Atlas option, should be completely dried after use to prevent rusting.
Can you use a cookie press for frosting?

“You can absolutely use a cookie press for frosting,” says Lewis. However, there are some frostings that work better than others.

“American buttercream and a stiff royal icing work the best in my experience,” she says. “I recommend using the frosting at room temperature, then pressing it onto parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm so you can remove the design and decorate your cookie as you see fit.”
What is the difference between a cookie cutter and a cookie press?

A cookie cutter is used on a sheet of flat cookie dough to cut shapes and does not emboss a pattern or change shape to the top of the cookie. A cookie press creates uniform cookies with raised textures on the top. A cookie press is not to be confused with a cookie stamp press, which can be used after using a cookie cutter.

Our Expertise

Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, Allrecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she spoke with Cassidy Lewis, pastry chef at Saints + Council, to find out what professionals look for in a cookie press. She also used insights from our in-house tests comparing the two most popular models: the OXO Cookie Press and the Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press.