For special cutout cookies or other baked goods, look no further than an embossed rolling pin. It’s a rolling pin that’s been engraved with a texture or pattern. When you use it to roll out dough, the pattern imprints right onto whatever you’re rolling out. So easy!
How it works
You roll sugar cookie dough (or other dough) flat with a regular rolling pin. Once you have an even surface to work with, firmly push your embossed rolling pin over the dough. You’ll end up with gorgeous designs for Christmas or a whimsical paisley pattern. Just cut out your cookies like you normally would, and every one will have an edge-to-edge pattern.
It could be a simple pattern like this, which would certainly make for some lovely homemade cookies. Baking for a Star Wars superfan? You can whip up a batch of Star Wars-patterned treats.
What can you use it for?
This is a gadget that bakers will find surprisingly useful. You can use an embossed rolling pin for Christmas cookies and other cutouts, as well as:
- Pastry Crusts: To create a perfectly textured crust, emboss the top of a double-crust pie. (Find more crust secrets here.)
- Pasta: You can emboss homemade noodles.
- Fondant: Like dough, you can roll out pre-packaged or homemade fondant with a regular rolling pin and then add your embossed pattern.
- Modeling Clay: You can use an embossed rolling pin for craft projects, too. For example, this homemade play dough would be fun to emboss. Just be sure to wash the rolling pin thoroughly before baking with it again!
The Best Cutout Cookies to Emboss
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Holiday Cutout Cookies
The only limit to these fun cutouts is your cookie cutter collection and your imagination! If you prefer crisp cookies, sprinkle with colored sugar before baking and skip the frosting. My family loves these easy holiday cookies! —Anne Grisham, Henderson, Nevada
Check out our Christmas Cookies Baking Guide!
Gingerbread Buddies
These cookies were ideal for a winter get-together I hosted. I like to share these crunchy treats on the way home from cutting our fresh Christmas tree.—Shelly Rynearson, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Cherry Biscochitos
I discovered the wonderful anise flavor of biscochitos, which are traditional cookies of New Mexico. I created my own version with maraschino cherries and fresh cranberries. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Snow Angel Cookies
Get a little snow at the holidays, no matter where you are. Head to the kitchen and bake a batch of angel cookies swirled with heavenly frosting. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
White Chocolate-Cappuccino Cookies
These adorable cookies shaped like coffee cups don't last long with my friends and family. For an even richer flavor, I use a mocha latte coffee mix. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Chocolate-Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
Every year I come up with a new recipe, and this is one that's been requested over and over. Who would ever guess how good pretzels are in cookies? —Isabel Minunni, Poughkeepsie, New York
White Velvet Cutouts
We make and decorate these cutouts for different holidays and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week before Christmas to be sure we'd have plenty to give and plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth. —Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio
Jolly Ginger Reindeer Cookies
I made gingerbread cookies for years before realizing my gingerbread-man cutter becomes a reindeer when turned upside down. They’re super crispy and fun! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Glazed Maple Shortbread Cookies
Whenever I visit friends in Lutsen, Minnesota, I make sure to buy maple syrup there because I think it's even better than in Quebec. These delicious cookies can be decorated with sprinkles but they're just fine as is.—Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Using prepared cookie dough gives you a nice head start to your own little forest of Christmas trees. Get the kids involved in this holiday craft to keep them busy making memories.—Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin
Santa Claus Sugar Cookies
I've used this recipe for almost 40 years and love it because it's a little different than most. My mom always made Santa cookies, and we'd put them into little clear bags tied with ribbon to hang on the tree.—Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
Pecan Cutout Cookies
My husband's grandmother made these buttery cookies using a star cutter. I've never tasted a cookie quite like it, so nutty and flavorful. —Louise Reisler, Bonduel, Wisconsin
Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies
Every time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom make them and delivered them to neighbors. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Eggnog Cookies
This cookie's flavor fits right into the holiday spirit—pick your favorite cookie cutter shapes to make them even more festive! —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Linzer Heart Cookies
This specialty cookie takes a little extra effort, but the delectable results are well worth it. I bake the tender jam-filled hearts when I need something fancy to serve for Valentine's Day or other special occasions. —Jane Pearcy, Verona, Wisconsin
Snowman Butter Cutouts
I have fond memories of baking and frosting these cutout cookies with my mom. Now I carry on the tradition with my kids. It's a messy but fun day!—Sandy Nace, Greensburg, Kansas
Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies
Our neighbor made these for me when I was little, and now I make them for my kids, grandkids and for the children at school. Serve them with milk for the kids and tea for the grown-ups. —Nancy Lynch, Somerset, Pennsylvania
JoJo's Ginger Cookies
It's so much fun to decorate cookies with children's help. We created gingery moose-shaped cookies to go with a book made especially for my niece's third-grade class. The crispy golden brown cookies stole the show.—Jenet Cattar, Neptune Beach, Florida
Christmas Lights Cookies
What better way to brighten chilly winter days than with light-shaped cookies? My classic dough recipe has been a holiday tradition in our family for years. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
Chocolate Cutout Cookies
I love gingerbread cookies, but my grandchildren don't like the ginger flavor. Now I use chocolate and watch them smile as they take that first bite. —Nancy Murphy, Oneonta, New York
Santa Claus Cutouts
Santa turns out to be a handsome fellow when I use my favorite cutout cookie recipe. Painting on the candy coating allows for detailed decorating. My 14 shoe boxes of shaped cutters tell you how much I enjoy making cookies! —Jane Brown, Greensburg, Indiana
Cutout Christmas Cookies
These old-fashioned cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family for many years. It was a joy to make these cookies for my children, and now my little granddaughter will soon be enjoying them, too. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
Berry-Almond Sandwich Cookies
Almond shortbread cookies cradle a delightful berry filling for this Christmas cookie favorite. The recipe is undeniably good. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
Red Star Cookies
These super stars are plenty sweet and sturdy, making them great for shipping. Slip decorated cookies in stacks of three inside plastic storage bags then rest stacks in disposable plastic containers. Put containers in a cardboard box, then add crumpled newspaper so everything is tightly packed. Seal it with a kiss—or a card. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Super Snowman Cookies
Bring on the holiday cheer by sharing these smiling snowmen. You’ll need only one of these giant cookies to satisfy a sweet tooth!—Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri
Frosted Snowflake Cookies
My family gathers at the kitchen table every winter to add a white glaze to these snowflake cookies. To increase the wow factor, tint the frosting with food colors and try various sprinkles.—Carolyn Olney, Richmond, NH
Gingerbread Men Cookies
No holiday treat platter would be complete without gingerbread man cookies! This is a tried-and-true recipe I'm happy to share with you. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Eggnog Cutout Cookies
I created this cookie recipe because my sons liked eggnog so much. After frosting the cookies, you can add to their festive flair by sprinkling them with colored sugar. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Raspberry Linzer Cookies
These wonderful cookies require a bit of extra effort to make and assemble, but the delight on the faces of family and friends when I serve them makes it all worthwhile. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Gingerbread Cookies with Buttercream Icing
When it’s time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it’s too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington
Santa Star Cookies
Cookie baking can't get any more fun than when you are making—and decorating—these adorable Santa cookies. They are also really good to eat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Soft Sugar Cookie Puffs
My husband's Aunt Laurel always made these cake-like cookies with her own farm-fresh eggs, cream and butter. Now I prepare batches for Christmas each year. We like them because they're not overly sweet. —D. Elaine Rutschke, Spruce View, Alberta
Mom's Old-Fashioned Cutouts
Old family memories rush in as soon as I make these traditional cutout cookies. — Lois Smit, Monee, Illinois
Cranberry Shortbread Stars
My family loves shortbread and I love cranberries, so I decided to put the two together. The star shape is a festive addition to my holiday cookie tray. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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