We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Top 10 Best Cookie Decorating Projectors

Published:

Updated:


If you want to up your cookie-decorating game, then a cookie projector is really hard to beat. With one, you can project any design that you like on a cookie, and then just trace it out in frosting or any other edible topping you like.

No artistic skills needed – just bake a delicious cookie batch, trace the perfect design, and blow their minds with your new and improved creative cookies!

In today’s article, we’re going to share some of the best cookie decorating projectors on the market and tell you a little about what each one brings to the table, as well as share some tips for your setup, and answer some frequently asked questions along the way.

We’ll also tell you our favorite models (first a sneak peek and then a closer look, as well as what we liked about them – just in case you’re still ‘on the fence’ about your favorites after reading the mini-reviews we’ve provided.

So, if you’re a baking wiz, but not so great at sketching, then it’s time to take care of that little problem – Let’s talk about the best cookie decorating projectors and what they can do for YOU!

Our Top 3 picks at a glance

It’s a tradition of ours to give you a little sneak peek before we get things started, as we know that some readers need to get to work, back from lunch, or simply don’t have a lot of time right now and that’s okay!

For those readers, here’s a little sneak peek at our top picks and when you have more time, there’s a longer review for each in the ‘Final verdict’ at the end of this article.

That said, here are out top 3 picks at a glance:

Each of these top projectors offers ease of use, making them a great option not just for veteran cookie decorators but also for beginners eager to create beautiful cookies.

With our sneak peek out of the way, let’s move on to some cookie projector basics so we’re all on the same page, and then we’ll get to our showcase!

Consider the best projector for cookie decorating, featuring built-in speakers and high resolution for those detailed designs. Perfect for those who love sharing their creations on platforms like TikTok.

On a side note, many of these projectors, like the AAXA P Mini Pico Projector, come with a built-in battery and advanced DLP technology, enhancing the quality of the projected image.

Cookie projectors – What’s that all about?!

If you make amazing cookies, but drawing and painting aren’t your forte, then a cookie projector can help you to take your game to the next level. By projecting the image you want to reproduce right on the cookie, you can essentially trace it and get some pretty amazing results.

What you’ll need to do this is a mini or a pico projector. Mini projectors are much smaller than standard projectors, generally weighing 1.5 to 2 pounds, and most models will have a screen mount on the bottom that lets you attach the projector to a mount.

For these mini projectors, an overhead tripod mount such as this Lentok model works fine but any durable mount that works with a camera should do. The Lentok clamps onto the kitchen table or another comparable surface, but you can also find overhead tripods with a flat base if you prefer.

The second type of projector, a pico or ‘pocket projector’, is the most popular, although they are a little more expensive (but to be fair, anything miniaturized tends to cost more.)

These tiny projectors are more portable and less bulky than minis and they typically feature a lithium battery so that you’ll have one less cable to deal with (and entertainment you can carry in your pocket, which is a fine perk indeed!).

For mounting pico projectors, generally a phone mount will do, or you can get a dual-phone mount which makes it easier to connect to your phone to access media or to make a handy video of your cookie decorating with the projector.

These compact projectors, like the remarkable creators phone compatible models, make cookie decorating a breeze, especially when using methods like the tissue paper method.

A good example of a dual phone mount is this Arkon mount. This setup is particularly useful for those who want to explore different ways to project intricate designs onto cookies, such as using a tablet stand or a gooseneck mount. just make sure that your projector measurements will be compatible with it before you order!

For those of us who have got the baking part down, but are not so great at sketching frosting figures on the fly, a cookie projector can be a real game changer, and you can purchase one on just about any budget from $50 to $250, depending on your specific needs and the bells and whistles you’d like.

As a business owner or a hobbyist on a tight budget, these projectors are the perfect option, offering a combination of compact design, easy setup, and long lamp life for the best results.

Now that we’ve talked a little about cookie projectors, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market so that you can see what these nifty little projectors really have to offer!

The Best Cookie Decorating Projectors

In this section we’ve collected 10 of the best cookie decorating projectors for you to view and evaluate. For each one, we’ll provide you with useful information such as the dimensions, special features, accessories, and even touch on the pros and cons of each.

We’ve tried to include a little something for everyone and are including both mini and pico projectors so that you can see what they bring to the table and make an informed decision on the right cookie projector for your needs.

If you’re ready, then let’s take a look and you can see what you think!

1. Poner Saund Mini Projector Lux 9000 210″ Projector 1080P Supported Display with 52000 Hrs

Mini Projector 9000 Lux 210" Projector 1080P Supported Display with 52000 Hrs LED Movie Projector Compatible with Phone Computer Laptop USB HDMI VGA-Home Office Outdoor Entertainment

View on Amazon

Our first projector is this Poner Saund Lux 9000 Mini projector and at about the same price as 2 large pizzas, it’s a budget friendly option with a whole lot of features. Measuring in at 8.66 x 6.54 x 3.7 inches and weighing 3.9 pounds, it’s the second biggest of the minis on our list today, but still easy to mount for crafting killer cookies.

The LED lights are rated for 52,000 hours, and may be placed as close as 5 feet or as far as 15 feet from its target projection area. As far as resolution, this projector has a native 1280 x 720 resolution (720p) and it also supports 1080p (1920 x 1080), so you’ll have the detail you need to make stellar cookies!

This unit will connect to smart phones, laptops, and PCs, via a handy HDMI

Pros:

This unit costs a pittance but leaves more room in your budget for other goodies that you’d like to add to the kitchen. The resolution is great and with 30,000 hours of use, you sure can make a whole lot of amazing cookies!

Cons:

It’s definitely not as compact as a pico, but as you can still easily mount it on an overhead tripod, this may not be a dealbreaker. You’ll also need to plug it in, so if you were hoping for a tiny model with batteries, then another model such as a pico projector will be a better fit.

2. VOPLLS 1080P Full HD Supported Mini Video Projector

Mini Projector, VOPLLS 1080P Full HD Supported Video Projector, Portable Outdoor Home Theater Movie Projector, 50% Zoom, Compatible with HDMI, USB, AV, Smartphone/Tablet/Laptop/PC/TV Box

View on Amazon

Next up we have this VOPLLS 1080 p Full HD Mini Video Projector and it starts things off strong by coming with its own mini tripod!

Measuring in at 6.69 x 4.9 x 2.64 inches and weighing approximately 1.4 pounds, this mini projector has 450 ansi lumens and a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p. The range for this projector is 3.7 ft to 23.6 ft, and while you can connect your phone, laptop, or PC to it, this unit will also work with a USB drive.

It also has a nice zoom and shrink function, as well as 55,000 hours of LED light use, so if you’re looking for a cookie mini that definitely won’t break the bank, then this VOPLLS might be just about a perfect fit!

Pros:

Great image and we like the zoom function and the short throw – you can easily mount this and with the HD resolution, it’s good to go! It’s nice of them to include the little tripod, as well, so that’s a definite perk.

Cons:

It’s a bit bigger than a pico, although you may still easily mount it, and you’ll need to plug it in and provide your own HDMI cable.

3. Vamvo Portable Projector 1080P 200″ Mini HD Movie Projector

Mini Projector, Vamvo Portable Projector Support 1080P 200" Mini HD Movie Projector, Outdoor Projector with Stylish streamlined Design, Compatible with phone/ Tablet/ Laptop/ TV Stick/ PS4 etc.

View on Amazon

This good-looking mini is the Vamvo Portable projector and it’s a fine little option for a cookie projector on a small budget. Measuring 7.09 x 5.51 x 2.76 inches, this lightweight unit weighs only 1.5 pounds, and it sports a native 720p (1280×720) resolution, but supports full 1080p (1920×1080) as well.

This unit can project up to a 200 inch image, so when you’re not using it for cookies you can take a break with a larger version of your favorite show, and it also has hdmi, usb, and audio connects that you can use with your laptop, tablet, smart phone, or usb-saved media.

This unit also features a remote, 50,000 hours of LED use, and as an added bonus, they also throw in lifetime support. All in all, it’s a fine little cookie projector that’s a great fit for modest budgets!

Pros:

The Vamvo portable is lightweight, bright, and has the resolution that you need for making some very detailed cookies. The remote is a nice touch, too.

Cons:

You’ll need to mount it and plug it in, and it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. If you are looking for more than the basics, then you might want to check out the other models.

4. ELEPHAS 2023 Upgraded Mini Projector with Tripod & Carry Bag

WiFi Projector for iPhone, ELEPHAS 2023 Upgraded Mini Projector with Tripod & Carry Bag, Full HD 1080P Supported, 200" Display Portable Projector, Compatible with iOS/Android/Windows/TV Stick/HDMI/USB

View on Amazon

The biggest mini projector on our list is the Elephas 2023 upgraded Mini projector and like the VOPLLS, it comes with its own tripod, but you can also easily mount it on a taller overhead tripod if you like. Measuring in at 9 x 4 x 7.5 inches, this unit weighs just 2.4 pounds, but it really packs in the features.

Starting off, it has a native resolution of 1280 x 720, but it will support full 1080p, and it will throw an image to 16.84 feet away from the unit. It will also sync with wifi, should you decide to connect it that way, although it also has multiple ports – USB, HDMI, Audio, AV, and a Chromecast interface.

The LED lamp inside is rated for a whopping 100,000 hours and they also throw in a carry bag, in case you want to take your cookie projector somewhere. It also comes with a lot of accessories – an adapter, AV cable, carrying bag, a cleaning kit, 1 HDMI cable, a remote, manual, and a lens cover!

Add in that they have a support line with 24 hour response, a 3 year product replacement warranty, and a lifetime service warranty, and it’s a mini cookie projector that’s definitely hard to beat in its price range!

Pros:

This is a cool little projector. With wifi sync, 100,000 hours of LED light use, all those accessories, and the 3 year replacement warranty, it’s a whole lot of projector at a very modest price.

Cons:

This is the biggest model on our list and while it will certainly mount fine on an overhead tripod, some folks won’t like the bulky look of it.

5. AAXA Technologies P7+

[Battery] AAXA P7+ Native 1080p 4K Supported Smart LED DLP Mini Projector with 2.5 Hour Battery, 5G WiFi, BT 5.0, Android OS, Wireless Mirroring for iPhone Android, USBC & HDMI Input

View on Amazon

This AAA Technologies LED pico projector is a fantastic option that costs a lot less than most picos, but really packs on the perks. Measuring a mere 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.5 inches, it’s also lightweight at 2.33 pounds, and has a 550 lumen brightness and 15,000 hours of LED light use.

The native resolution of this unit is 1920 x 1080p, supports 4k and it features a HDMI, a USB-C, and wireless. It can create up to a 200 inch image, which is more than perfect for cookies, and it has a built in 150 minute lithium ion battery.

As far as compatibility, with the HDMI cable it will work with laptops, PCs, Apple and Android Smartphones, and most tablets, or you could simply use an SD card or USB stick. It’s small, convenient, and you’re definitely going to love it for your cookie-crafts!

Pros:

For all the perks, this is an excellently priced pico projector that’s just about perfect for cookies. With the 150-minute battery life, you can run it unplugged for a bit, and it’s almost small enough to put in your pocket!

Cons:

150 minutes isn’t a huge battery life, and we’d like to see more LED hours, but it’s a nice little projector for the price.

6. AKASO Pocket-Sized DLP Mini Projector

AKASO Mini Projector, Pocket-Sized DLP Portable Projector, 1080P Cookie Projector , Support HDMI WiFI Built-in Rechargeable Battery Stereo Speakers and Remote Control Movie Projector

View on Amazon

This Akaso Pocket-Sized SLP Mini projector is lightweight, tiny, and features a battery life of 2.5 hours – so you won’t need to plug it in anytime soon. Measuring at 5.71 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches and weighing just shy of half a pound, it can produce an image between 50 and 150 inches and even comes with a remote and a free mini tripod!

This unit features a 50 ANSI lumens brightness and the bulb is rated for 30,000 hours, so it should last you well into the foreseeable future as far as your cookiemaking goes.

While the native resolution is only 720 x 480, it will support 100p, and they also sweeten the pot by allowing WIFI mirroring so you won’t even have to physically connect anything to it. That said, you can also use HDMI or USB, so you’ve definitely got connection options!

Pros:

Lightweight and powerful, you’ll get years of use out of it, and this full-featured pocket projector is also awesome for taking with you when camping – just in case you want to enjoy it a little when you’re not making those cookies!

Cons:

The native resolution is a little lower than most of the other units we’ve shown today, but for cookies this actually won’t be a problem, so you’ll need to decide if that’s a dealbreaker.

7. VISSPL Mini Projector Full HD 1080P Video

Mini Projector, VISSPL Full HD 1080P Video Projector, Portable Outdoor Projector with Tripod, Kids Gift, Home Theater Movie Phone Projector Compatible with Android/iOS/Windows/TV Stick/HDMI/USB

View on Amazon

Our next cookie projector is this VISSPL mini and it’s a budget friendly option that supports full HD! Measuring 6.1 x 5.08 x 2.4 inches and weighing 1.1 pounds, this mighty mini features 60,000 hours of LED light use, but that’s definitely not all!

While it has a native resolution of 1280 x 720p, it supports 100p, so you’ll have all of the detail that you need and it also comes with a host of accessories. In the box, you get a tripod, lens cap, a remote, power cord and HDMI cable, 1 AV cable, a cleaning kit, and your user’s manual – so it comes fully stocked.

This projector will create an image anywhere between 35 and 150 inches and VISSPL also throws in a 2 year replacement warranty and a lifetime of support. All in all, it’s a whole lot of options for a bargain mini that you’re going to love!

Pros:

It’s definitely priced to go and with 1080p support, an easily mountable weight, and a remote along with all your other startup gear, it’s a bargain cookie projector that’s got what you need.

Cons:

Unlike pico projectors, this has no battery, so you’ll need to plug it in.

8. XuanPad 2023 Upgraded Mini Projector

Projector, XuanPad 2024 Upgraded Mini Projector, Video Projector HD 1080P Supported, Portable Home Projector Compatible with TV Stick, HDMI, USB, Laptop, iPhone, Android for Home Entertainment

View on Amazon

This nifty cookie projector option is the XuanPad 2023 upgraded mini projector and it’s a very bright option on a budget. Measuring 7.8 x 6.01 x 2.7 inches and weighing only 1.98 pounds, this unit uses LED and LCD technology for a lovely, sharp image and projects a 30 to 200 inch image depending on the distance.

It’s also quite bright, with 12,000 lumens, and with 55,000 hours of that LED light, you can definitely get a lot of mileage out of it. The Xuanpad also has a zoom feature to give you more granular control over the image when you need a little more detail.

With an HDMI connection, provided that you’ve got the cable, it should be compatible with laptops, tablets, pc’s, and most smartphones, and they also throw in a 2 year warranty. As cookie projectors go, this is a great budget option that is well-worth a second look.

Pros:

It’s nice and bright, so you won’t have any trouble seeing your cookie designs, and with 55,000 hours on the LED you won’t need to replace the lamp or the unit itself anytime soon.

Cons:

It’s bigger than a pico and doesn’t have an internal battery like one – which may or may not be a dealbreaker, depending on what you’re looking for.

9. KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector - Built in Rechargeable Battery & Speaker, 1080P Support Portable Wireless LED DLP Movie & Video Travel Projector, connects to iPhone and Android

View on Amazon

When it comes to optics, Kodak is a household name, and they make our list with this Luma 150 Mini Pocket Pico projector. Measuring in at 3.1 x 3.1 x 0.87 inches and weighing just a pound, it’s a pretty little thing, and it has a native resolution of 720p but will support up to 4k resolution.

This unit has a number of ways to interface with it, including micro usb, HDMI, and WIFI mirroring, and you’ll get a battery of approximately 2.5 hours on a full charge. Finally, the image is about 60 lumens and rated for 30,000 hours, and this unit will project up to 150 inches in size.

If you’re looking for a cookie projector with a name that you already trust, then this Kodak Luma might be a perfect fit for you!

Pros:

With 4k resolution and features like mirroring, a focus wheel, and a reasonable LED life of 30,000 hours, it’s a nice little unit and it comes from a trusted brand.

Cons:

It’s a little pricier than most of the other models and it lacks a settings menu for things like contrast and brightness, so you’ll have to use it with the presets.

10. GooDee 1080P Support Pocket DLP Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth

Mini Projector 4K, GooDee 1080P Support Pocket DLP Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Pico Portable Outdoor Movie Projector with Tripod&Bag, Video Rechargeable Battery Short Throw for iPhone/Android

View on Amazon

Our final cookie projector to show you is this GooDee 1080p support pocket DLP projector and it’s got WIFI sync and Bluetooth compatibility! Measuring 5.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches and weighing about 2.8 pounds, it’s definitely compact, but the features won’t suffer for it.

For instance, it will support up to a 5G wifi connection, has automatic keystone correction, and has about 2.5 hours of battery life on a full charge. The brightness is about 450 ANSI lumens and you’ll get a solid 50,000 hours of use out of it – not too shabby at all, especially with 1920 x 1080p resolution support.

Finally, if you don’t want to sync it with WIFI or Bluetooth, you can always just plug in an HDMI cable and you’re good to go!

Pros:

This is a great portable option that has a crisp image and lots of bells and whistles that you won’t get with the other models.

Cons:

Bells and whistles are nice, but if you just want to use this as a cookie projector, then you can save a little money with a less expensive, comparable option.

FAQs

It’s almost time for us to wrap things up with our final verdict on today’s projectors, but before we do that, we’ve got a few frequently asked questions on the subject. Let’s take a peek!

Can you project an image on a cookie without a projector?

Yes, actually, you can! There’s an old school hack that you can do that requires a small pane of glass and something to hold it on its side.

The bottom of a plastic peanut butter jar lid works fine if you cut notches just a hair over the same thickness of your glass). Once the glass is standing, put the image you want to trace on one side, and looking at the reflection, put your plated cookie on the other side.

This way, when looking through the glass from the side with your image on it, you can see the reflection on your cookie and reproduce the shape with your frosting or other edibles.

What kind of projector do I need for cookies?

Since you will need to position it over the area where you will be working, you’re going to need either a mini projector or a pico projector.

Both of these options are lightweight, but you’ll need a compatible overhead suspension medium – either an overhead tripod mount like you would use for a camera or a clamp-style mount, such as an Arkon.

The Arkon is best for pico-style projectors, while an overhead tripod has a securing screw that works with most minis.

Is a mini or pico projector better for cookies?

This really depends on you, as both projectors have their perks. Minis, for instance, are less expensive but also bigger, so that they need to be secured with a stronger overhead tripod. Minis also don’t have a battery, so they’ll need to be plugged in.

A pico projector, by contrast, is much smaller and lighter, and generally has battery life lasting 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the model, and you can also plug it in if needed. For small jobs, 2.5 hours may be all the time you need, but for bigger batches of cookies you’ll need to plug it in.

The pico would be secured with a dual phone mount and this will let you save your designs on your phone and you can easily sync or physically connect the phone and projector to use the images.

They’ll both do what you need but basically, the minis are less expensive and will generally have more features for the price, while the pico projectors are pocket sized and have built-in batteries (so you can also use your mini projector camping – definitely a perk!).

Which one is best will depend on which fits your own needs and expectations!

The Verdict

It’s time for us to wrap things up and part of that is to share our top 3 favorites from the list today, as well as what we liked about each model the best.

Keep in mind, of course, that these were just OUR favorites – every model we’ve reviewed today is well-worth a second look. So, if you’ve got your eye on one we didn’t pick then go with your gut… these are all quality projectors and we think you’ll be happy with the one you choose.

Best Budget model – VOPLLS 1080P Full HD Supported Mini Video Projector

Our pick for the ‘Best Budget model’ today goes to the VOPLLS 1080P Mini Video Projector and it’s a heck of a deal for the price. It will project up to a 210-inch image, but can also throw a smaller image as close as 3.7 feet – so it’s a great fit as a cookie projector.

You can get a lot of mileage out of it, as it has 55,000 LED hours, and it’s bright enough to work with and easy to support on an overhead tripod. As far as interfacing, you can use this with most smartphones, laptops, PCs, or tablets, and it even has a USB connection if you want to put your images there.

All in all, it’s an excellent projector for the price and we think you’re going to like it!

Most robust Mini – ELEPHAS 2023 Upgraded Mini Projector with Tripod & Carry Bag

The Elephas 2023 has 100,000 hours of LED light, but that’s not all it brings to the table. It can produce a 200-inch image and has a throw range of up to 16 feet. This unit also has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 but supports 1080p, and you get a 3-year replacement warranty so you know that it’s good!

Finally, they throw in a ton of accessories, including a carry bag, tripod, cleaning kit, and more, so not only is this the most robust mini, it’s got a generous helping of goodies so that it’s ready to go out of the box!

Best Pico with perks – GooDee 1080P Support Pocket DLP Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth

Our final favorite is this Goodee 1080P Pocket DLP projector and we’ve dubbed it the ‘Best Pico with Perks’ for good reason! This unit is small – only 5.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches – but it weighs a little more than the other picos on our list, because they’ve packed it with extra tech.

This is a unit that can sync with 5g Wifi, Bluetooth, or utilize a USB or an HDMI cable, and it’s got a 450 Ansi brightness and is rated for 50,000 hours of use. Add in that they throw in a carrying bag, tripod, and a few other goodies, and it’s definitely a Pico projector that you’ll be very happy with!

Happy decorating! Remember, whether you’re drawing in the baking department or preparing for a wedding reception, these best cookie projectors will elevate your cookie decorating experience. And for those looking for new recipes, stay tuned to our website, where we often share the best cookie recipes and more.

We’d like to thank you for visiting today and we wish you and your creative cookie-crafting efforts the very best!

Kitchen Professor author
About the Author: David McLemore

David learned to cook at an early age after his mother told him that he couldn't live on pizza forever, Dave uses his modest kitchen skills to recreate sorely-missed recipes from home and to occasionally make new favorite ones from places he is visiting.

Leave a Comment