Old tin, copper, or plastic Christmas cookie cutters are little-known Christmas kitchen collectibles. Since they are common and small, it’s possible to overlook an ordinary find worth just $2 at the thrift store that could, in fact, sell for $50, $100, and even more.
This quick guide lists the 10 most collectible Christmas cookie cutters, from 19th-century tin pieces to signed copper ones from the Martha by Mail era. You will also find quick tips to tell whether your finds are actually worth keeping.
How to Identify Valuable Christmas Cookie Cutters Instantly?
Most of the valuable Christmas cookie cutters will have two or three of the following characteristics, which should only take thirty seconds to distinguish between a valuable and a common piece.
- Material: Hand-soldered tin, copper, and early aluminum are superior to thin steel and later plastics.
- Brand Name: Search for Mirro, HRM, Aunt Chick’s, Michael Bonne, Cape Cod Copper Works, Martha by Mail (MBM, MSL, or M mark), Wilton, or Kreamer. Unbranded cookie cutters are more difficult to appraise.
- Construction: Cutters featuring flat backs and a wide strap handle generally date to before the 1940s. Rolled edges and spot welds indicate a mid-century manufacture.
- Shape Rarity: Belsnickel, Santa, sleighs, nativity scenes, and odd shapes always beat trees and stars.
- Original Packaging: A boxed set, original card, or Martha by Mail catalog insert can make your money go twice as far.
Quick Tip: Always turn the cutter around before purchasing or selling. You’ll be able to tell just about anything from the markings on its reverse side, from the brand stamp to the construction of the handle.
10 High-Value Antique & Vintage Christmas Cookie Cutters
1
Cape Cod Copper Works Gnome Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $60 – $120
| Period | 1970s to 1990s |
| Size Note | Large 10-inch figural pieces are hardest to find |
Cape Cod Copper Works created modern copper items that were used by Martha Stewart when she was doing her catering job at Westport.
The gnome/elf cutter that has a brass handle attached to it is popular among collectors owing to its height and clean seams. After 1988, the same tooling was operated by Michael Bonne; you may find either of the names on these cutters.
2
Czechoslovakia Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $40 – $85
| Manufacturing Period | 1918 to 1938 (First Republic era) |
| Marks | “Czechoslovakia” or “Made in Czechoslovakia” stamped/acid-etched |
| Size | Large trees (8 inches+) are worth more. |
The cookie cutters stamped with the designation “Czechoslovakia” were made only between the years 1918 and 1938 (as well as very shortly thereafter in 1945), because Czechoslovakia did not even exist before then.
The tall Christmas tree ornament with its layers of branches is the most collectible shape, particularly those in pristine condition, unworn by rust.
3
Martha Stewart Mighty Candy Cane Copper Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $40 – $80
| Period | Late 1990s to early 2000s |
| Size | Oversized, roughly 8 to 9 inches tall |
| Maker | Michael Bonne for Martha by Mail |
The “Mighty” series refers to Martha by Mail’s huge copper series. And the candy cane is definitely among the most popular.
Creating the curve is really hard, but the candy cane made by Bonne has very smooth seams inside and a tiny hanging hole drilled in its top, making it collectible.
4
Cape Cod Copper Works Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $35 – $75
| Period | 1970s to 1990s |
| Size | Large 8″ x 5″ is the most desirable |
| Distinctive Feature | Wide brass strap handle soldered across the back |
Large copper gingerbread man cutters are a popular item at Cape Cod Copper Works. They are made in the same style as the gnomes and other figure cutouts that they make.
The weight will give away an authentic piece because it is much heavier than the decorative cutouts you can find today. Also, the patina and small spots on the copper are acceptable.
5
Martha Stewart by Mail “Oh Christmas Tree” Cutter
Typically sells for $40 – $75
| Period | Late 1990s to early 2000s |
| Size | Typically 6.5 inches tall |
| Marks | MBM or MSL stamp on the handle |
Another design by Michael Bonne for the Martha by Mail catalog, this Christmas tree cutter, with its thick walls and hefty copper construction, sets itself apart from flimsy machine-stamped pieces.
Six and a half inches seems to be the standard size, but the bigger “Giant” sizes from the same catalog series command considerably more money.
6
Martha Stewart by Mail Snow Crystal Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $25– $70
| Period | Late 1990s to early 2000s |
| Maker | Michael Bonne for Martha by Mail catalog |
| Marks | Stamped MSL, MBM, or M on the handle |
The Snow Crystal is a big six-pointed snowflake copper cutter created from one piece with a center pilot hole and an inner ring that has been soldered.
Martha by Mail was a discontinued mail-order catalog owned by Martha Stewart, and every copper cutter sold was hand-formed by Michael Bonne. So, the value keeps increasing due to the limited supply.
7
HRM Christmas Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Cutter
Typically sells for $15 – $35
| Period | 1950s |
| Material | Translucent red plastic |
| Collector’s Note | Original licensed card multiplies value. |
HRM manufactured a series of transparent red plastic cutouts for Christmas that consisted of a reindeer, Santa’s Sleigh, and Santa’s Helper in the 1950s. The reindeer is the one shape most collectors chase.
The packed examples with the original illustrated card sell for much more than those without their original cards.
8
Aunt Chick’s Christmas Cookie Cutters
Typically sells for $15 – $60 per set
| Period | Launched 1948, still produced today |
| Maker | Nettie McBirney, Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Classic Shapes | Santy, Star, Stocking, Tree, Snowman |
Aunt Chick is the pseudonym that Nettie McBirney used to write the cooking column. In 1948, she came up with these deep red plastic embossing molds, with their pebbled surfaces designed to prevent sticking.
The ones that come in the “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Days” boxes are the most valuable, particularly those with the recipe sheets and the tissue paper still in them.
9
Michael Bonne Christmas Wreath Cookie Cutter
Typically sells for $75 – $150
| Period | 1980s to 2000s |
| Maker | Michael Bonne Coppersmith, Indiana |
| Marks | “Michael Bonne” logo on strap handle |
Michael Bonne began operations in the field of making copper cookie cutters in 1982 and was a popular name for producing heavy copper cookie cutters.
Among the popular works of Michael Bonne is the Christmas wreath, which is produced using a single copper sheet having a wavy edge and a tree design inside it.
Collectors’ Tip: Examples featuring the Michael Bonne logo (and not MSL, MBM, or M) belong to the Michael Bonne range.
10
Mirro Christmas Cookie Cutters
Typically sells for $25 – $80 for boxed sets
| Period | 1950s to 1960s |
| Material | Stamped aluminum with rolled strap handles |
| Marks | “Mirro” or “MIRRO Made in USA,” often with a model number like S-3452 |
Mirro was a well-known aluminum company from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and their Christmas cookie cutters graced millions of American kitchen tables over the years.
Popular designs are the star, tree, gingerbread man, angel, bell, and Santa. Loose cutters sell for $5 to $8, but a complete set is more valuable, especially with the original package or backing.
What Drives the Value?
First of all, condition beats out age. A well-preserved copper cutter by Michael Bonne from the 1990s is worth more than a corroded tin item from the 1890s.
Next, the marked items are always better than the unmarked ones because there is proof of the background. Original packaging, inserts, or backing of plastic or aluminum items made during the Aunt Chick’s and HRM era also boost the price.
Lastly, location plays an important role too. Before you buy or sell any piece or set, make sure to assess these factors and explore recently sold examples of the same brand and design on eBay before finalizing any price.
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
