Preparation and cutting

Rolling pin

A cylindrical kitchen utensil made of wood or other materials, usually with short handles at each end, that is rolled over dough to flatten it. Wooden rolling pins need care suited to their material.

Rolling pin
Image generated by the Kitchenpause team

What it is

A rolling pin is a cylinder made of wood or other materials, usually with short handles at each end. It is rolled over dough to flatten it.

When to use it

Use a rolling pin to roll out biscuit dough, pizza bases and pastry sheets. OXO’s Non-Stick Steel model can be pre-chilled to help keep butter from melting when laminating pastry.

How to use it

Roll the utensil over dough on the work surface. Joseph Joseph’s PrecisionPin uses removable rings to adjust thickness: twist them off to remove and change them. Without the rings, that model works as a conventional rolling pin.

How to choose it

Compare the shape and grip design. JK Adams’ French Tapered has tapered ends and a lighter-weight design intended for easy maneuvering. OXO’s Non-Stick Steel has offset handles that keep hands above the work surface.

Cleaning and storage

Care depends on the model. Handwash JK Adams’ French Tapered with hot, soapy water, without submerging it. Dry Joseph Joseph’s wooden rolling pins immediately and apply food-safe oil. OXO’s Non-Stick Steel is dishwasher-safe; check your pin’s instructions.

Safe use

Replace Joseph Joseph utensils if they develop cracks, chips, splits or splintering. Also check the care instructions for the particular model.

Frequently asked questions

What is a rolling pin used for?

It is used to roll out dough by rolling it over the dough.

What materials can a rolling pin be made from?

It can be made of wood or other materials.

Are all rolling pins dishwasher-safe?

No. JK Adams’ wooden French Tapered requires handwashing; OXO’s Non-Stick Steel is dishwasher-safe. Check the model.

Sources and review

Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.

  1. Art & Architecture Thesaurus Full Record Display (Getty Research) www.getty.edu/vow/AATFullDisplay?find=&place=&nation=&logic=&note=&role=&subjectid=300200727
  2. JK Adams — French Tapered Rolling Pin www.jkadams.com/products/french-tapered-rolling-pin
  3. Joseph Joseph — PrecisionPin Adjustable Multicolour Rolling Pin www.josephjoseph.com/products/adjustable-rolling-pin-multicolour
  4. Joseph Joseph — Caring for kitchen gadgets and utensils jjsupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/6505647501343-Caring-for-Your-Joseph-Joseph-Kitchen-…
  5. OXO — Good Grips Non-Stick Steel Rolling Pin www.oxo.com/shop/kitchenware/tools-gadgets/baking-pastry-tools/non-stick-rolling-pin.html

Recipes using this utensil

Montserrat Fried Bakes
Image generated by the Kitchenpause team
65 minIntermediate

Montserrat Fried Bakes

Round bites of soft dough, fried until golden. This recipe uses a Johnny Cakes formula documented as a foundation for fried doughs known in Montserrat; the four servings and preparation times are estimates.

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Khiva Shivit Oshi
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40 minIntermediate

Khiva Shivit Oshi

Uzbek noodles from Khorezm made with fresh dill in the dough. This simple version serves one and focuses on the noodles.

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Sahrawi lamb mreifisa
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65 minIntermediate

Sahrawi lamb mreifisa

Crumbled baked bread served with a lamb and onion stew. Serves 4; preparation time and yield are practical estimates.

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Layered Kenyan Chapati
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77 minIntermediate

Layered Kenyan Chapati

Unleavened Kenyan flatbread, coiled into spirals to create layers and cooked in a pan until golden.

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Argentinian Rogel Cake
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810 minAdvanced

Argentinian Rogel Cake

A cake of nine thin, crisp layers filled with dulce de leche and topped with Italian meringue.

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Nigerian Chin Chin
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60 minEasy

Nigerian Chin Chin

Nigerian fried sweet-dough bites with nutmeg, cut into small squares and browned until crisp.

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Pakistani aloo paratha
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110 minIntermediate

Pakistani aloo paratha

Whole-wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced potato and cooked in a pan with ghee or butter until golden and crisp.

View recipe

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