The Internet's Most Wholesome Mystery: What Happens When No One Knows What a Cookie Cutter Is?

You find a strange, abstract piece of metal in a drawer. Is it a misshapen animal? A failed state outline? For hundreds of thousands of people, the answer lies in a surprisingly hilarious and creative corner of the internet: the 'What is My Cookie Cutter?' subreddit.

What started as a practical forum for identifying odd-shaped baking tools has evolved into a global hub of collaborative comedy. Instead of providing straightforward answers, members now respond to photos of mystery cookie cutters with whimsical drawings of what they *could* be, often with hilariously inventive results.

“In the early days, there was a very specific purpose for this sub, which was to identify the shapes of the more unique cookie cutters out there,” Tes Reilly, one of the subreddit's moderators, told The New York Times. “It was practical.”

But now, Reilly, a doctoral candidate in media psychology, explains that things have changed. “People are not here because they are avid users of cookie cutters with pressing questions,” she said, “but because the drawings are hilarious, the inside jokes are comforting, the attitude is always positive and despite its size or form, it is a very real, very meaningful community.”

The community's unique culture is exemplified by a user who became famous for finding a way to draw the state of Wyoming into nearly every shape posted. When she announced her departure because the hobby became too distracting, her farewell post received thousands of upvotes and supportive comments, showcasing the tight-knit nature of the group.

“Reddit and Reddit users in general get a bad rep on other social media platforms, but this subreddit proves just how wholesome users can be,” said Angelina Cannon, a member from New Jersey. “I really wasn’t expecting all the art when I joined, but it definitely kept me interested.”

The moderators maintain a light touch, ensuring the space remains fun and on-topic without stifling creativity. “I like making sure it’s whatever the community wants it to be,” said moderator Garyn Greene. This philosophy has allowed a simple premise to blossom into a uniquely positive online space.