A daisy cutter is a small shaped cutter that stamps out a flower with rounded petals. Bakers use them for cookies and cake decorations, and crafters use them for clay, felt and paper. (The phrase “daisy cutter” has also been used as a nickname for certain military bombs, but this article is only about kitchen and craft tools.) Here are the most useful ways to put one to work, plus tips for choosing and caring for cutters.
Baking and cake decorating
This is where daisy cutters shine. A simple flower shape instantly makes baked goods look cheerful and seasonal.
- Cookies: Stamp rolled sugar or shortbread dough, then pipe a yellow dot in the center after baking.
- Fondant and gum paste flowers: Cut thin petals, then cup them on a foam pad with a ball tool to give them shape before they dry.
- Pie crust toppers: Cut flowers from leftover pastry and arrange them on top of a fruit pie before baking.
- Sandwiches and snacks: Larger cutters turn sandwiches, melon slices or cheese into fun shapes for children’s lunches or party platters.
For clean edges, chill dough before cutting and dip the cutter in flour between cuts. With fondant, a light dusting of cornstarch helps prevent sticking.
Craft projects
Daisy cutters are just as handy away from the kitchen.
- Polymer and air-dry clay: Make pendants, magnets or small ornaments.
- Play dough: Plastic cutters give young children an easy way to make shapes and practice hand control.
- Felt and fabric: Use the cutter as a template to trace petals for appliqué. If you like flower-themed sewing, try our lazy daisy embroidery stitch guide or ideas for a daisy quilt.
- Paper crafts: Trace shapes for cards, garlands and scrapbook pages.
Keep cutters used for clay or craft materials separate from the ones you use for food.
Choosing a cutter
Cutters come in a few main materials:
- Stainless steel gives sharp edges and lasts a long time, but the edges can bend if stored carelessly.
- Plastic is cheaper and safer for children, but it gives softer edges.
- Plunger cutters cut the shape and then push it out, often embossing petal lines at the same time. They are popular for fondant work.
Sets with several sizes are useful for layering flowers or making a bouquet design on a cake.
Cleaning and storage
- Wash cutters soon after use, before dough or fondant dries in the corners.
- Dry metal cutters thoroughly to prevent rust.
- Store them flat or in a box so the edges do not bend.
- Keep small cutters away from toddlers, since some edges are sharp and small parts can be a choking hazard.
Daisy-themed ideas to try
If you are planning a spring party, a bridal shower or a garden-themed birthday, daisy cutters tie the theme together with very little effort. Pair daisy cookies with real flowers on the table; our guide to arranging daisy bouquets has tips for simple, fresh displays. You might also enjoy reading about what daisies symbolize before choosing a theme.
Conclusion
A daisy cutter is a small, inexpensive tool with a surprising range of uses. Whether you are decorating cookies, shaping fondant or making crafts with children, a good set of cutters and a little care will give you neat, cheerful flowers for years.