Wood cookies might sound like a treat from the kitchen, but they are actually a charming and rustic piece of nature used in many creative and practical ways. These flat, round slices of tree trunks or large branches have grown in popularity across the United States for everything from crafts to weddings, and even as learning tools for kids. In this guide, you’ll learn all about what wood cookies are, how to use them, and why so many people love them.
What Are Wood Cookies?
Wood cookies are thin, round slices cut from tree trunks or thick branches. They look like little wooden pancakes and show off the beautiful tree rings inside the wood. Each cookie is unique—some may be smooth and polished, while others are rough and rustic. People often use these wood slices for decoration, crafting, and even outdoor landscaping.
What makes wood cookies so special is their natural appearance. Unlike manufactured wood, each cookie tells the story of the tree it came from. The rings show how old the tree was, and the grain and bark give it character. You might find wood cookies made from oak, birch, maple, or even cedar, depending on what kind of tree was used.
Wood cookies are commonly ½ inch to 2 inches thick and range in diameter from a few inches to over a foot. You can buy them pre-cut or cut your own if you have access to tree limbs or logs and the right tools.
Where Can You Find Wood Cookies?
If you’re looking for wood cookies in the United States, you have several good options. You can buy them online through craft retailers like Etsy, Amazon, or specialized woodworking stores. Many sellers offer bulk packs of pre-cut and sanded wood cookies in different sizes and wood types. These are perfect if you want to skip the hard work and jump straight into crafting.
Local lumber yards or tree-cutting services often have leftover tree trunks or branches they may be willing to part with. Farmers’ markets and craft fairs can also be great places to find unique, handmade wood cookies.
If you’re up for a DIY adventure, you can make your own wood cookies by cutting slices from tree limbs or trunks using a chainsaw or handsaw. Just be sure to let the wood dry properly to prevent cracking.
Why Do People Love Wood Cookies?
Wood cookies are loved because they’re beautiful, versatile, and connect us to nature. Whether you’re decorating your home, planning a rustic wedding, or teaching kids about trees, wood cookies offer a fun and natural solution. They’re also eco-friendly, especially if you use reclaimed or fallen wood.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular reasons people use wood cookies:
Great for Crafts
Crafters love wood cookies because they can be painted, stained, carved, or even burned with designs using pyrography tools. You can make ornaments, coasters, clocks, signs, and wall art. Many people enjoy using them as blank canvases to create custom gifts for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.
Wood cookies are especially popular in rustic and farmhouse décor. Add a little twine, some paint, and your creativity, and you’ve got a charming piece of nature made by hand.
Use in Weddings
Wood cookies are trending in weddings, especially those with a country or woodland theme. They’re often used as centerpieces, table numbers, cake stands, and even guestbook alternatives. You can place candles, flowers, or small vases on top for a natural touch.
Because each wood cookie is different, they add a unique, personalized charm to wedding decorations that no factory-made item can match. Many couples love that they can keep the wood cookies after the wedding as souvenirs or home decor.
Learning Tool
Teachers and parents also use wood cookies as learning tools. Children can count the rings to learn about tree age, practice letters and numbers written on the surface, or explore textures and natural materials in sensory play. Wood cookies make learning about science and nature more hands-on and exciting.
Plus, kids can use them in art projects or as storytelling props. Their size and natural look make them engaging for children of all ages.
Easy Crafts to Make with Wood Cookies
You can make all sorts of easy and fun crafts with wood cookies. Even if you’ve never done woodworking before, you can create beautiful and useful items. Here are a few ideas:
- Personalized coasters: Use a wood burner or paint to add initials or fun designs.
- Holiday ornaments: Drill a small hole, add a ribbon, and decorate with festive colors.
- Wall art: Arrange several wood cookies in a pattern and glue them to a backing board.
- Photo displays: Attach a small clip or string to hold your favorite pictures.
- Mini chalkboards: Paint the surface with chalkboard paint and write messages or notes.
These crafts don’t require many tools—just some creativity and basic supplies like paint, glue, and maybe a drill.
Can You Cut Your Own Wood Cookies?
Yes, you can cut your own wood cookies, and it can be a rewarding DIY project. All you need is a tree limb or trunk, a saw (preferably a chainsaw or miter saw), and safety gear. Before you start, choose a healthy section of wood that’s free from major cracks or rot.
Cut the wood into slices about ½ inch to 1 inch thick. After cutting, it’s important to let the wood cookies dry slowly to avoid cracking. You can store them in a dry, shaded place for a few weeks or even months, depending on the wood type.
Some people prefer to use green (freshly cut) wood, but it tends to crack more easily as it dries. If you want long-lasting cookies, drying them properly and sealing them with a finish will help preserve their look.
Best Types of Wood for Cookies
Not all wood is the same. Some types are better for making durable, beautiful wood cookies. Here are some of the best:
Oak Wood Cookies
Oak is a strong and attractive hardwood. It’s known for its durability and pronounced grain pattern, which makes oak wood cookies ideal for rustic crafts or furniture pieces. Oak is less likely to crack if dried properly and has a warm, classic look.
Birch Wood Cookies
Birch is a lighter-colored wood with a smooth texture and fine grain. Birch wood cookies are great for painting or writing because of their clean, pale surface. They’re often used in weddings or minimalist crafts. However, birch can be a little softer than oak, so handle with care.
How to Keep Wood Cookies from Cracking
Cracking is one of the biggest challenges when working with wood cookies. Here are some tips to reduce the risk:
- Dry slowly: Let your wood cookies dry gradually in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight.
- Seal the ends: Use wood sealer or wax to slow down moisture loss from the edges.
- Use kiln-dried wood: If available, this type of wood has already been dried and stabilized.
- Apply finish: After drying, apply polyurethane, oil, or another finish to protect the wood.
Proper drying and sealing are key if you want to keep your wood cookies looking good for years.
Can Wood Cookies Be Used Outside?
Yes, wood cookies can be used outside, but they need some protection. If you want to place wood cookies in your garden, on a patio, or as part of outdoor furniture, make sure you use a weather-resistant wood like cedar or oak. Also, apply an outdoor sealant or wood preservative to help protect them from moisture, insects, and sunlight.
Without treatment, wood cookies will likely crack, warp, or rot over time when exposed to rain and temperature changes. Treated properly, they can last for years even outside.
The Bottom Line
Wood cookies are a wonderful, natural material that anyone—from crafters to teachers to brides—can use and enjoy. Whether you buy them or make them yourself, these simple slices of wood offer endless creative possibilities. They’re fun to work with, easy to customize, and a great way to bring a little piece of nature into your life.
From rustic wedding décor and kid-friendly crafts to practical uses in the garden or home, wood cookies continue to grow in popularity across the United States. Their charm lies in their simplicity, uniqueness, and connection to the natural world. So the next time you see a fallen branch or an old log, you might just be looking at your next beautiful creation.