In this article, we’ll teach you how to make a rolling pin. The key to a perfect rolled pie dough is using the right rolling pin. Dough can be tough to work with, you might run the risk of overworking it, or the possibility of not working it enough. Rolling the dough seems like a simple task, but it’s not as easy as it appears. Aside from the correct mix of ingredients, a reliable rolling pin is your best tool to achieve the right dough consistency. However, it might be a bit costly for some. Especially when you’re just starting, and you need to think of other essential baking equipment.
Types of Rolling Pins
Before getting on the step by step process on how to make a rolling pin, let’s review first the most popular types of pins widely used for baking:
- The American Rolling Pin
Home cooks commonly use the American-style or “baker’s” rolling pin. These pins are made with a cylinder-shaped piece of wood or ceramic that has a dowel inside the center with handles attached at each end. It is relatively easy to use, and popular for household use. The downside to using this pin is that you can lose a sense of how you are rolling out the dough because your hands are focused on the handles. Therefore, if you prefer this style, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the thickness of your dough, checking it every now and then.
The American rolling pin is available in a variety of materials. A marble pin is the most common one next to the wood. Though this option makes for an attractive centerpiece, the weight of the marble may not be ideal for delicate dough since the dough tends to stick to it, creating cracks in the surface. The benefit of a marble rolling pin, however, is that you can chill it in the fridge before using it to keep dough cold while rolling them out. - Textured Rolling Pin
The textured rolling pin has some pattern engraved into the wood or plastic to create a design in the dough. It’s basically a rolling pin stamp. These patterns can differ from a few simple lines to intricate patterns rolled into the dough. If you have a particular design in mind, you can also get a customized rolling pin. This style of rolling pins in miniature size is usually used to roll out fondant dough in cake decorating. - French Rolling Pin
The French-style rolling pin is a plain cylinder of wood that does not have handles. Many professional bakers tend to use this style of pin instead of the American. When using the French rolling pin, you guide the pin with your palms instead of a tightly clutched fist, giving you a better sense of your dough’s consistency. The French rolling pin is ideal for shaping dough rounds because the tapered shape provides for easy rotating. - Straight (Dowel) Rolling Pin
The straight rolling pin is an alternative of the French rolling pin without tapered ends. This wooden dowel lets you roll the entire surface of your dough at one time with better consistency compared with other pins. The dowel pin is ideal for heavier doughs like a chilled sugar cookie dough. However, it is a bit bulky and does not create rounded dough as efficiently as its tapered counterpart.
Step by Step Process on How to Make a Rolling Pin
How to make a rolling pin might sound overwhelming. You might be thinking of complex wood machines to help you make the perfect pin. However, there are a few alternatives you can try to make a simple, yet efficient rolling pin.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2″ Wooden Dowel
- 120 Grit Sandpaper
- 300 Grit Sandpaper
- Food-grade Mineral Oil
Step 1:
Take your 2″ wood dowel and cut it to your desired length for your rolling pin. Some stores have the option to pre-cut the dowel for you, which is more convenient.
Step 2:
Sand your dowel using the 120 grit sandpaper followed by the 300 grit sandpaper.
Step 3:
Clean the dowel thoroughly, making sure there is no dust left from sanding.
Step 4:
Apply the mineral oil generously to the dowel making sure to cover the entire surface. Let it sit overnight.
Step 5:
Gently sand the dowel again using the 300 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean, then apply another layer of mineral oil. Let the dowel sit again overnight, then apply a third coat of oil if necessary. Your rolling pin is now ready to use.
Rolling pins will need to be re-oiled occasionally. Doing so will prolong the life of your pin. Also, do not put it in a dishwasher to clean or soak in water. You can use a dry paper towel to wipe your rolling pin and remove the excess flour.
Conclusion
The steps on how to make a rolling pin are simple and easy to follow. All you need are a few items you can buy at a local store and your patience and creativity. Creating instead of buying is a good way to cut expenses. Also, making one means tailoring the product to fit your personal needs and preference. Know more about rolling pins.