Last Updated on January 31, 2022
If you are making sugar cookies, but don’t have a rolling pin, then you will want to know the best rolling pin substitute. Fortunately, there are still ways you can roll out your dough even if you don’t have a traditional rolling pin. In fact, most of the substitutes you can already find within your kitchen.
In certain recipes, such as cut-out cookies and homemade cinnamon rolls, rolling dough out is necessary. It is an important step to forming the dough, which is not something you can not skip. Though rolling pins are the best choice to use, there is no need to fret if you don’t have one when baking as there are alternatives.
What Is A Rolling Pin And What Does It Do?
A rolling pin is a kitchen tool used for rolling out different doughs. It commonly is a long, cylinder with two hands on either end, though some designs do not have handles. It is one of the most common kitchen tools as it can be used for many different recipes.
In addition to being one of the most popular kitchen tools, rolling pins are also one of the oldest. It is believed that the first civilization to use rolling pins was the Etruscans. The Etruscans were an ancient Italian civilization that thrived from the 8th to 3rd century B.C.
Rolling pins are most commonly used today to roll out cookie dough, pie crusts, pizza dough, cinnamon roll dough, and much more. In addition to being used in baking, they are also used for crushing nuts, tenderizing meats, and grounding up herbs.
Rolling Pin and Silicone Baking Pastry Mat Set
Rolling Pin Substitutes
Though they may not be as easy to use as traditional ones, they can still get the job done. They make for a practical alternative that will save you stress in the kitchen.
Wine bottle
Wine bottles can be a great rolling pin substitute. They make a particularly great alternative to use when they are full or half full, as the added weight is beneficial. They are the same cylinder shape as rolling pins and you can even use the neck as a handle.
Since they are generally made of non-porous glass they are sturdy and food-safe. Make sure the bottle is clean and for best results, remove the label. You can even chill the bottle if you are working with pastry dough to keep it firm.
PVC pipe
PVC pipe is an easy and durable alternative to rolling pins. They have the perfect cylinder shape and you can even cut them to be the right length. PVC is light but also hardy, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking easily.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the PVC pipe before using it. You also want to make sure that it is new and hasn’t been used for other things.
Water glass
A long, tall water glass can also work great for rolling out dough. It is the right shape and is durable as well. It is also food-safe, so you can use it on your dough worry-free.
Avoid using glasses with any designs or ridges, as this will create imprints in your dough. In addition, make sure it is made of durable glass or a thick plastic that won’t break under pressure.
Wooden dowel
Wooden dowels are great alternatives to traditional rolling pins. They are durable, cylinder, and easy to use. In fact, many traditional rolling pins are made from wood.
Be sure that the wood on the dowel is smooth, as you don’t want any splinters coming off in your dough. Be sure to thoroughly wash your dowel before use too.
Soda can
Soda cans can also work for rolling out dough as they are the right shape and have weight to them when they are full. They are also made of food-safe materials and are durable enough for use on dough.
You can even chill the can before using it if you are using it on the pastry dough. Just be sure to wait to open the can after using it, as the rolling process can shake it up, causing soda to spray everywhere.
Vase
A ceramic, plastic, or glass cylinder vase can work effectively as a rolling pin. Just be sure that it is not too fragile and make sure to wash it off before using it.
Travel mug
A thermostat or travel mug can also work great for rolling out dough. They are often durable and sturdy, so they can handle the pressure of rolling. In addition, they are also food safe as well.
Water bottle
A reusable water bottle will also get the job done. They are sturdy, durable, and food-safe. You can even fill it up with water if it is not heavy enough.
How To Stop Your Dough From Sticking To A Rolling Pin?
If you use a rolling pin straight on the dough, it will generally stick to the rolling pin, making a mess. Most bakers will cover their rolling pin in a small amount of flour before rolling, as this will prevent the dough from sticking.
Though this works great for traditional rolling pins, you may not want to get flour all over your rolling pin substitute. Instead, you can lay down a layer of parchment paper or wax paper on the dough. This way your rolling pin substitute won’t actually touch the dough, keeping it clean.
An Amazing Rolling Pin Substitute
If you don’t have a rolling pin at home, don’t worry, as there are some great substitutes. You can use a wine bottle, PVC pipe, water glass, water bottle, travel mug, wooden dowel, soda can, or vase.
Do you have any questions regarding the best rolling pin substitute? If so, please ask any questions regarding rolling dough and what you can use in the comment section.
Read more about Pre-rolled Fondant Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rolling Pins Necessary?
For certain recipes, such as doughs or pie crusts, rolling pins are necessary as the dough needs to be rolled out to be shaped. However, if you don't have a traditional rolling pin, you can also use a rolling pin alternative. If a recipe calls for rolling out dough, you do not want to skip that step as it is important to the final result.
How Do You Roll Dough Without a Rolling Pin?
Fortunately, if you don't own a rolling pin you can still bake your favorite recipes. You can easily make a DIY rolling pin with common household items, as long as they are cylinder and durable.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
