cookie cutter

¹ American  

noun

1. a device, usually of metal, for cutting shaped forms, as circles or stars, for cookies from dough that has been rolled flat.

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cookie-cutter ² American  

[kook-ee-kuht-er] / ˈkʊk iˌkʌt ər /

adjective

1. having the same configuration or look as many others of a given kind; identical.

   rows of cookie-cutter houses.

2. lacking individuality; stereotyped or formulaic.

   a novel filled with cookie-cutter characters.

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cookie-cutter British  

noun

1. a shape with a sharp edge for cutting individual biscuits from a sheet of dough

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adjective

1. resembling many others of the same kind

   a row of cookie-cutter houses

Etymology

Origin of cookie cutter

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Q: We are all inundated with the cookie cutter “60/40” allocation formula… I believe a better model includes two variables which are unique to each investor: their risk tolerance and net annual expenses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

“They were so cookie cutter — you’re trying to hold that platform liable.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2025

If using a ready made crust with two in a pack, roll out the second one, use a cookie cutter to make rounds to place in an oiled muffin pan for mini pies.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2024

The problem was a bit like predicting what direction a small circle of sheetcake is pointing, before twisting a round cookie cutter in to pull out a piece.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

Then there are the cookies, cut into rather awkward stars because I don’t have a cookie cutter.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron