Cookbook Printing
Make your recipes look as good as they taste with professional custom cookbook printing from QinPrinting. Whether you’re a chef, food blogger, community organizer, or independent publisher, we’ll help you produce a high-quality cookbook that’s both beautiful and practical. With over 25 years of experience, offset printing technology, and a hands-on approach, we print cookbooks for every purpose and budget—with savings of over 40% compared to most local providers.
Cookbook Printing Instant Quote
based on your choices
Cookbook Bindings
The right binding plays a big role in how your cookbook looks, feels, and functions. Whether you’re designing a premium hardback or a practical spiral-bound format for use in the kitchen, we’ll guide you to the best solution based on your budget, page count, and user needs. All our cookbook bindings are designed to lay flat when open—an essential feature for hands-free cooking.
Ideal for heirloom or gift cookbooks, hardcover binding offers durability, high visual impact, and a refined presentation. Perfect for professional chefs and coffee-table collections.
A flexible and affordable option, paperbacks are suitable for a wide range of cookbooks—from instructional manuals to self-published recipe books. We offer both sewn and perfect binding.
Saddle stitching is a simple and economical binding method for shorter cookbooks or recipe booklets. Ideal for small runs, giveaways, or promotional inserts.
Practical and user-friendly, spiral binding allows the pages to lie flat on any surface. A popular choice for cookbooks intended for everyday use in the kitchen.
Each binding type can be further customized with paper choices, surface finishes, and cover enhancements.
Paper Types: Coated vs. Uncoated
Choosing the right paper for your cookbook depends on how it will be used. If you’re focusing on visual presentation with color-rich images, go with coated paper. If the book is interactive or designed for writing, uncoated is best. We offer both options in various weights and finishes.
Coated Paper
- Best for: Full-color photography, detailed illustrations, promotional cookbooks
- Finish: Gloss or matte coating adds a smooth, professional texture
- Image Quality: Produces rich, crisp images with vivid color saturation
- Usability: More resistant to smudging and easier to wipe clean
- Note: Not suitable for writing—ink may smudge or bead
| GSM / LB | Gloss Art Paper Thickness | Matte Art Paper Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.065 mm | 0.072 mm |
| 105 gsm / 71 lb Text | 0.086 mm | 0.090 mm |
| 128 gsm / 86 lb Text | 0.105 mm | 0.110 mm |
| 157 gsm / 106 lb Text | 0.136 mm | 0.140 mm |
| 200 gsm / 135 lb Text | 0.178 mm | 0.200 mm |
| 250 gsm / 92 lb Cover | 0.225 mm | 0.250 mm |
| 300 gsm / 111 lb Cover | 0.270 mm | 0.285 mm |
| 350 gsm / 129 lb Cover | 0.410 mm | - |
Uncoated Paper
- Best for: Cookbooks with journaling space, user notes, checklists, or educational content
- Finish: Natural, tactile texture with minimal glare
- Usability: Easy to write on with pen or pencil
- Note: More absorbent—less resistant to stains and may mute photo quality slightly
| GSM / lb | Thickness |
|---|---|
| 80 gsm / 54 lb Text | 0.097 mm |
| 100 gsm / 68 lb Text | 0.118 mm |
| 120 gsm / 81 lb Text | 0.140 mm |
| 140 gsm / 95 lb Text | 0.160 mm |
| 160 gsm / 108 lb Text | 0.183 mm |
| 180 gsm / 122 lb Text | 0.200 mm |
Surface Finishes and Special Features
Finishes make a big difference in how your cookbook looks, feels, and holds up to repeated use. Whether you’re going for high-gloss color or subtle texture, we offer a variety of surface treatments to match your goals. All finishes enhance durability while adding visual and tactile interest.
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A recessed design that creates a tactile impression on the cover, adding texture and sophistication.
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
Wrap your book in a durable synthetic leather material.
Cover your book with woven linen or cotton fabric .
Uses a custom-made metal die to cut paper into specific shapes.
A row of small holes that makes it easy to tear off part of the paper.
A built-in tape that allows the paper to be opened easily and cleanly by pulling along the strip.
Eco-Friendly Cookbook Printing
We’re committed to sustainability across every aspect of our production. Our default paper stock is sourced from FSC-certified forests, and we offer fully recycled options on request. We also use soy-based inks instead of petroleum-based alternatives, reducing environmental impact without compromising print quality.
Offset printing is inherently more energy-efficient than print-on-demand, especially for larger runs, and produces less waste per book. We’re proud to support sustainable publishing for both individuals and businesses.
We can also include the FSC and soy ink logos on your cookbook if you wish.
FAQs
What is the MOQ for cookbook printing?
Our MOQ for custom cookbook printing is 100 copies.
How much does it cost to print a cookbook?
Costs vary depending on size, page count, binding, and finish. Use our Instant Quote Calculator to get an accurate price based on your specs. We’ve also included sample pricing charts below.
| Quantity | 200pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 pages | $4.81 each $961 total |
$2.31 each $1,157 total |
$1.50 each $1,499 total |
$1.14 each $2,274 total |
$0.96 each $4,812 total |
| 160 pages | $6.97 each $1,393 total |
$3.42 each $1,712 total |
$2.24 each $2,235 total |
$1.73 each $3,450 total |
$1.45 each $7,257 total |
| 200 pages | $8.55 each $1,710 total |
$4.23 each $2,113 total |
$2.77 each $2,771 total |
$2.13 each $4,260 total |
$1.80 each $8,983 total |
- Cover: 250 gsm / 92 lb coated cover paper with gloss lamination
- Inner: 128 gsm / 86 lb coated text paper for interior
- Binding: sewn and perfect binding
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
| Quantity | 200pcs | 500pcs | 1000pcs | 2000pcs | 5000pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 pages | $7.32 each $1,463 total |
$3.59 each $1,796 total |
$2.53 each $2,531 total |
$2.08 each $4,151 total |
$1.74 each $8,693 total |
| 160 pages | $9.96 each $1,991 total |
$4.92 each $2,462 total | $3.40 each $3,400 total |
$2.71 each $5,421 total |
$2.20 each $11,014 total |
| 200 pages | $11.90 each $2,380 total |
$5.89 each $2,945 total |
$4.01 each $4,014 total |
$3.15 each $6,297 total |
$2.52 each $12,608 total |
- Cover: 157gsm art paper with matte lamination wrapped on 2.5mm greyboard
- End sheet: 140gsm offset paper, blank,
- Inner: 128gsm / 86lb coated text for interior,
- Please note that all prices are EXW (Ex Works) our facility and do not include shipping costs.
How do I ensure my cookbook has the best quality images?
Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) in CMYK color mode. Always request a physical sample to test how images will appear in print, especially on coated papers.
What paper should I choose for my cookbook?
Use coated gloss or matte art paper for image-rich cookbooks. Choose uncoated offset paper if you plan to write or make notes in the book.
What are the available options for cover finishes?
We offer a variety of cover finishes, including matte, gloss, and soft-touch lamination. You can also choose foil stamping, embossing, and UV coating for a customized look. These options add durability and a unique feel to your book.
You can choose the finishes in our instant quote calculator.
Do you provide document checking services?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
What file format should I use?
Send your files as high-resolution PDFs with all fonts embedded and 3 mm bleed on all sides. We provide full specifications on our File Preparation page.
Do you offer paper and printing proofs?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
What is the standard production time for cookbooks?
For hardcover cookbooks, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
For paperback cookbooks, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
Why Print Your Cookbook with QinPrinting?
We focus on quality, customization, and reliability to make your cookbook exactly as you envision it.
25+ Years of Experience
We specialize in complex, high-quality cookbook production for self-publishers, chefs, schools, and organizations.
Offset Printing Expertise
Superior color accuracy, crisp detail, and efficiency for both short runs and large-volume orders.
Flexible Customization
Choose from a wide range of sizes, bindings, papers, and finishes to match your creative and functional needs.
Free File Review
We'll manually check your layout, image resolution, bleed, and formatting before printing begins.
Environmentally Responsible
FSC-certified paper, soy inks, and energy-efficient processes as standard.
Reliable Support
Responsive customer service from quote to delivery, with expert guidance available at every step.
Free File Checking Service
Not sure if your files are print-ready? You’ve nothing to worry about! Our team will check your files for free to make sure everything’s in order—things like page size, bleed, color mode, and image resolution. If something’s off, we’ll let you know and suggest how to fix it before anything goes to print.
Need help to prepare your files? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide you can check out here.
And if you’re still unsure, just reach out. We’re always happy to take a look and answer your questions.
Printing File Requirements
It is important to understand how to prepare your finished digital files for printing. Here are a few useful tips to help you when preparing files to be printed.
You will need to add a "bleed zone" of 0.125" around all your pages.
Convert your color space from RGB to CMYK
Make sure the resolution for your images is 300 DPI.
Export your files in PDF format for the best results.
To learn more, see our File Checking Guidelines or get in touch directly. We offer an expert file-checking service, free to all our customers.
QinPrinting Reviews
Susan!!!! These books are SOOOOOOO beautiful! I don't think we could have dreamed how joyful it would be to open the box and find such care for and beautifully printed books. This was a special day -- we hope to have many more like it.
Thank you for fielding so many questions. Your patience with us (well, me) was so kind. You and your team have gone above and beyond for us.
Gratefully,
MAC
Their product quality, attention to detail, and clear communication have exceeded my expectations at every step. I truly appreciate their dedication and care, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them on many more projects to come.
I'm also impressed with the quality of their prints!
I am absolutely delighted with how the book has turned out. The quality is outstanding, and the books arrived beautifully packed and in perfect condition.
The Qin Printing website, is exceptionally comprehensive and clear. It made understanding the process much easier.
The Qin Printing team live up to your their slogan, “Passion in Every Page.”
When I received the books I could not believe the quality, much better than I anticipated. The printing quality is exquisite and we are over the moon to share the books with our school community. Each person that has reviewed the books so far has spoken highly of the quality.
Thank you so very much once more and we look forward to working with you on an annual basis.
Susan Han and Carol Li did amazing job to answer all our questions, patiently walk with us along with the project step by step, had a great communication, came up with great solutions and showed a high level of professionalism. The product is of amazing quality, and there were no unexpected delays on any level. We are planning to print our next game with them.
Talk to Us!
If you want a custom printed cookbook that’s built to last—and you value personal service as much as print quality—we’d love to help. Contact us for a no-obligation quote or to discuss your project in detail. Whether you’re printing 100 books or 10,000, we’re here to make it easy.
