13 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Holiday Food Crafts
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When it comes to holiday food crafts, having the right tools can make all the difference. I’ve learned over the years that the right gadgets not only make the process easier but also help your creations turn out better. Whether you’re making Christmas cookies, Hanukkah treats, or festive New Year’s goodies, these must-have kitchen tools for holiday food crafts will set you up for success. From decorating to assembling, this list of tools for holiday food crafts will have you feeling like a pro in no time. Let’s make some holiday food magic!
Piping Bags and Tips
If there’s one thing I can’t live without when it comes to kitchen tools for holiday food crafting, it’s piping bags. They’re perfect for decorating cookies, adding details to cupcakes, or even assembling gingerbread houses. I also always keep a variety of tips on hand—star tips for swirls, round tips for outlines, and even specialty tips for snowflake designs.
Whether you’re adding frosting to Christmas tree brownies or cookies or creating intricate designs for Hanukkah treats, piping bags and tips are an absolute must. I love how they make everything look polished and professional, even if I’m just having fun.
Cookie Cutters
Holiday cookie cutters are a must-have for festive food crafts. I’ve collected so many over the years, and every holiday season, I can’t resist adding a few more. For Christmas, I love using tree, star, and candy cane shapes. For Hanukkah cookies, dreidels and menorahs are my go-to, and for New Year’s, I like champagne glasses and clock shapes.
They’re not just for cookies—you can use them for brownies, sandwiches, candy, or even cutting out decorations from fondant. Trust me, cookie cutters are one of the most versatile tools in your holiday arsenal.
Rolling Pin with Spacers
If you’re rolling out dough for cookies, spacers on your rolling pin are a game-changer. They ensure your dough is an even thickness, which means your cookies will bake evenly and be easier to decorate. I use this rolling pin with spacers every time I make any type of rolled cookie, and it’s a lifesaver for getting perfect shapes. Plus, it’s great for rolling out fondant or other decorative elements. It’s one of those tools I wish I’d discovered years ago.
Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop is another one of those kitchen tools for holiday food crafts I can’t do without. It’s perfect for scooping out uniform portions of cookie dough, ensuring all your cookies bake evenly. I use mine for everything from Christmas cookies to Hanukkah treats. It’s also handy for portioning out batter for mini cupcakes or even shaping truffles. Trust me, once you start using a cookie scoop, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Sheet Pan
A sturdy sheet pan is a must-have for any kind of holiday baking or food craft. I love using mine for everything from baking cookies to roasting nuts for a festive snack mix. Look for a heavy-duty pan that won’t warp in the oven. It’s also perfect for assembling and decorating treats, as the raised edges keep sprinkles and icing messes contained. During the holiday season, I practically live off of my sheet pans!
Whisk
A good whisk is essential for mixing up ingredients, whether you’re making batter, frosting, or icing. It’s especially useful for combining flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients evenly or whipping up a smooth frosting base. I also use mine to stir melted chocolate or mix icing until it’s perfectly glossy. A whisk is such a simple tool, but it’s an absolute necessity for creating holiday magic in the kitchen.
Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone mats are a holiday food craft lifesaver. They keep cookies from sticking to the tray and make cleanup so much easier. I use them for everything, from baking sugar cookies to rolling out dough. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and perfect for getting that golden-brown finish on the bottom of your cookies. During the holidays, when my kitchen is in full swing, silicone baking mats are a must-have.
Decorating Tweezers
For the tiny details that make holiday food crafts pop, decorating tweezers are a must. I use them to place sprinkles, sugar pearls, and candy eyes exactly where I want them. When you’re working on delicate cookies or cupcakes, this tool saves you from the frustration of trying to do it by hand. It’s especially handy for intricate designs, like snowflake cookies or detailed Hanukkah treats.
Cooling Racks
Cooling racks are a must for holiday baking. They allow air to circulate around your treats, so they cool evenly and maintain their shape. I use mine not just for cooling but also for decorating. It’s the perfect surface to add icing or decorations without making a mess. During the holidays, when I have trays of cookies coming out of the oven one after another, my cooling racks are in constant use.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are essential for baking success, especially when it comes to holiday food crafts. I always keep a set of measuring cups and spoons within reach, whether I’m portioning out flour for cookies or measuring vanilla extract for frosting. Look for a sturdy set that includes both dry and liquid measurements, and you’ll be ready for any recipe. Trust me, precision is the key to perfectly baked holiday treats!
Spatulas
A good set of spatulas is a must-have in any kitchen, but especially during the holiday season. I love using silicone spatulas for mixing batter, scraping bowls, and folding ingredients gently. Offset spatulas are perfect for spreading frosting evenly on cookies and cakes. Plus, they’re great for decorating, lifting delicate treats, or even smoothing chocolate for candy-making. They’re truly indispensable when crafting holiday goodies!
Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Mixing doughs and frostings is so much easier with a good mixer. My stand mixer is my best friend during the holidays, especially when I’m making big batches of cookies or whipping up frosting. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works just as well. It saves so much time and makes sure everything is mixed evenly, so your treats turn out perfect every time.
Festive Packaging Supplies
One of my favorite parts of holiday food crafting is gifting the treats I’ve made. Having cute packaging supplies like treat bags, ribbons, and tags on hand makes it so much easier. I love creating little cookie gift bags for teachers, neighbors, or friends. It’s such a thoughtful way to share the joy of the season, and it makes your homemade crafts look even more special.
With these kitchen tools for holiday food crafts in your kitchen, you’ll be ready to tackle any food craft with ease. They’re my go-to items for Christmas cookies, Hanukkah treats, and all the festive goodies that make this time of year so magical. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, having the right tools can make your holiday food crafting experience stress-free and full of fun.
Have you tried any of these tools? I’d love to hear what’s on your must-have list! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram @funfoodcrafts so I can see your holiday food creations. Don’t forget to pin this post for later or share it with your fellow holiday crafters. Let’s make this season the most festive one yet!
