Let’s be real — every kitchen drawer has a few tools that were bought for one job… and then kind of forgotten. But what if I told you that your ice cream scoop and cookie cutter are actually the unsung heroes of a family-friendly kitchen?
Over time, I’ve found so many ways to use these tools that have nothing to do with ice cream or cookies — and everything to do with making food more fun, kid-friendly, and (bonus!) a little easier for me in the kitchen too.
More Than Just Ice Cream Scoops
We have multiple sizes of ice cream scoops at home, and I rarely use them for actual ice cream. Here’s how I put them to work:
Portioning Like a Pro:
- Muffin batter – Clean, even scoops = no mess, no guessing
- Pancake batter – Every pancake the same size (and no spills!)
- Cookie dough – Perfectly round cookies that bake evenly
- Meatballs – Scoop, roll, done — uniform size = even cooking
- Mini rice balls – Use the smallest scoop to shape warm rice before seasoning
- Frozen yogurt balls – Scoop onto parchment and freeze for a grab-and-go snack
They’re not just scoops — they’re built-in measuring cups with a handle!
Cookie Cutters That Do Way More Than Cut Cookies
I love a good cookie cutter, especially the sturdy metal ones. They’ve become some of the most used tools in my kitchen — especially when I’m cooking for (or with) my kids.
Cooking Helpers:
- Pancake shapers – Pour batter into fun shapes for extra breakfast joy
- Egg molds – Crack an egg inside the cutter on a pan for perfect round or fun-shaped fried eggs
- Rice molds – Scoop warm rice into the cutter and press gently for adorable shapes
- Fruit + veggie stamps – Press into melon, cucumber, or even soft cheese for fun bento-style snacks
Crafty Extras:
- Use cookie cutters to trace food art with sauces or powdered sugar
- Use them outside the kitchen for playdough, clay, or DIY snacks with the kids
Why This Works So Well for Families
Getting kids to try new foods can be a challenge — but turning a regular egg into a heart, or giving them their own scoop to portion out muffin batter? That’s a game-changer.
It’s not about making everything perfect — it’s about making the kitchen a space for fun, curiosity, and connection. These simple tools let kids feel involved, creative, and proud of what they helped make. Plus, it secretly helps us sneak in more variety (and maybe a few veggies).
Try These Family-Inspired Ideas:
- Let your child choose the pancake shape of the week
- Have a “build-your-own snack” station with mini scoops and cutters
- Use scoops for melon balls, yogurt drops, or no-bake energy bites
- Try cookie cutters on sandwich bread, tortillas, or omelets
Sometimes the most unexpected tools become the most beloved. So next time you’re cleaning out that drawer, take a second look at your ice cream scoop and cookie cutter. You might just find they’re the most fun tools in your kitchen — especially when little hands are helping.
