Cookie Cutter Pumpkin Carving

Halloween pumpkin carving made easy! Learn how to use cookie cutters to create festive jack-o-lanterns with this easy tutorial.

Keyword Halloween, jack-o-lantern, pumpkin

Total Time 1

Author Stacey aka the Soccer Mom

Pumpkin insides removed
Pumpkin Carving Kit these tools are the best for cleaning your pumpkin
Needle-nose Pliers just in case you need them to pull the cookie cutters out of the pumpkin
Metal Cookie Cutters
Rubber Mallet
Tea Lights we used battery tea lights, as real candles can pose a fire risk

To Prep: Cut off the top and stem of the pumpkin and scoop out the "pumpkin guts" or pulp. Make sure to keep the pumpkin lid so you can put it back on later when you display your jack-o-lanterns!
Place the pumpkin on flat workspace and place a cookie cutter on the flattest side of the pumpkin.
Use the mallet to press the cookie cutter into the pumpkin. Start slowly and work your way around the cookie cutter until it breaks through to the inside of the pumpkin.
Grab the cookie cutter with your hands or pliers and wiggle it until you are able to remove it from the pumpkin.
If needed, press the cut-out piece of pumpkin inside, where you can remove it.
To make your jack-o-lantern last longer, wash in a vinegar bath (1 cup white vinegar mixed with a sink full of water) and dry.
Place battery tea lights inside the jack-o-lantern and put the "lid" back on top.

Cookie Cutters - Use metal cookie cutters, as plastic is likely to break. Look for the sturdiest cookie cutters you can find, so they will keep their shape. You will also want to look for cookie cutters that are at least an inch thick, so they will cut all the way through the pumpkin.

Make Your Pumpkin Last Longer - I wash all of my pumpkins, carved and un-carved, in a vinegar bath so they will last longer. I do not use bleach, as it is harmful to wildlife (and I always put my pumpkins in our compost pile when the season is over). I created a full post with step-by-step directions to preserve decorative pumpkins here.

Safety Tips - While older kids could probably help make the cut-outs, you definitely want to supervise. Younger kids can help wash and dry the pumpkins, pick out the cookie cutters, and put the tea lights inside when the jack-o-lanterns are ready.