Bake Beautiful Spritz Cookies and Pizzelles With These Expert-Tested Presses (2024)

• What to Buy
• Kitchen Tools

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

• Material: Anodized aluminum, steel
• Includes: 20 disks

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.

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

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.

• Material: Iron
• Includes: Recipe booklet

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.

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