How to Roll out Sugar Cookie Dough-Video
When I first started making cookies I didn’t know much about cookie dough, royal icing, or how to roll out cookie dough. I seemed to use about a pound of flour to sprinkle the mat and counters so the dough wouldn’t stick when I cut out the shapes. Then, I would spend the rest of the evening trying to clean up the mess. The really sad part was, I couldn’t understand why my cookies were dry and crumbly. It never occurred to me that it could be all the extra flour I added to the dough while rolling it out.
In case you’re new to cookie decorating or just make cookies at Christmas, I wanted to save you some trouble and make a video on how to roll out sugar cookie dough. It is simple and you don’t need to use much flour and you can roll them out without using any flour at all. The cleanup process is much easier.
How to Roll out Sugar Cookie Dough Supplies:
(may contain affiliate links)
- Start with your favorite cookie recipe – sugar cookie recipe or Gingerbread recipe
- Rolling Pin Spacers
- Rolling Pin
- Mainstay Flexible Cutting Mats
(***UPDATE***
I’ve updated this post with a new image and video. I hope you enjoy!)
Have you seen The Cookie Countess Precision Rolling Pin? It’s amazing and I wanted to share a link with you so you can check it out for yourself.
The Cookie Countess Precision Rolling Pin
How to Roll Out Sugar Cookie Dough Video:
This method only works with dough that has been frozen for a few minutes. My sugar cookies recipes require I chill the dough for about an hour before cutting out the cookies. If you freeze it for 15-30 minutes, you can start baking faster. Click here to see “How to Cut out Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time.” If you are looking for some tips and tricks to cookie decorating, you may enjoy the “Beginners Guide to Cookie Decorating”.
Bear hugs,
I’ve been watching you for a long time now, even before I stared selling cookies. I use the same recipe for my cookies put I don’t cream the butter does that matter? And I only use about 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, should I be using a whole teaspoon?
I just don’t want them to spread on me, I do roll out with wrap like you do and freeze them. It does make it a lot easier , I don’t put in flour down at all. Before I go just want you to know I learn how to use my airbrush machine from you, so I always send everyone to your blog if they ask me about how I learn or how to do it. Thanks for all your tutorials. ❤️
Hi Loretta,
If you have a recipe and technique that works for you, don’t change it. If you add less baking powder and it works, don’t change it. If you don’t cream the butter and it works, don’t change it. If you like your cookies and there isn’t a problem with them then keep doing things the way you are doing them now. If you are having problems you might want to try this or another technique to make things easier for you.
This is just a little video with helpful suggestions and tips for those that have trouble or are frustrated when they cut out cookies. This won’t work for everyone and that’s OK.
If you have any other questions, just let me know and I will try to help find the answers.
Bear hugs,
Lisa
Lisa I love your videos! It’s like you’re here visiting in my kitchen!! ;).
I wish you were here to bake with me Lizy! I want to have a play date with you sometime!! HUGS!!
I thank you so very much for all that you do to share your knowledge with each of us. I feel so comfortable visiting here with you…and that is truly a gift on your part.
You are gifted and a true southern hostess,
Karen
Thank you so much Karen. You just filled my heart with joy! Merry Christmas!
You have given me courage to do rolled out cookies more often! I bought spacers years ago (they are still in the drawer) and discovered they don’t fit my rolling pin … a new pin is going on my ‘wish list’, along with 2 more cutting mats! You are a great teacher! Now, I have to watch a few more videos … bye 😉
I can’t find these matts at Walmart; any other idea where I can look?
Hi Jenna,
I found some here at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Here is the link: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/flexible-chopping-mat-set-of-4/1013615004?skuId=13615004&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_kitchenfoodprep_&adpos=1o1&creative=43742640949&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4qSzBRCq1-iLhZ6Vsc0BEiQA1qt-ztitFG_bvMjP-OFh_YlLGjZ_Mky-H2hO33x9LvuitnQaAusk8P8HAQ
Or you can try here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Color-Flexible-Cutting-Mat/20531370
Let me know if you can’t find them. I will grab a pack and mail them to you. 😉
Oi Lisa, lindos seus biscoitos. Obrigada por tantas lições e parabéns pelos seus dons. Gosto de tudo que você faz, sou uma fã sua.
Hi Rosilene,
Thank you for the sweet comment! Let me know if you ever need anything! 😉
Lisa
Hey Lisa!! First of all thank you for all your tutorials and blogs, I have always been a baker (pies, cakes, breads etc) and always have really enjoyed the artistic part of it. But, I am just now going to try and do this seriously and your info has been helpful.
I do have one question…when I roll out my dough on my silicone mat, with the plastic wrap on top of the dough every time I lift it it leaves some behind on the mat. The not smooth texture it leaves behind on my dough is what concerns me. I do realize that the first ball does it less, so the more frozen one, but no matter what it does it. I pull it up very slowly and with pressure on it but I can’t get it to stop doing it completely. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Robin,
You aren’t doing anything wrong. Sometimes that happens. Do you have a bench scraper? If you do, use it to remove the leftover dough on the mat before you roll out the second batch. Also, when you pull the mat away from the dough, bend the mat as you pull it. Watch this video and see how I use my hands to pull the mat. https://thebearfootbaker.com/2016/01/simple-sugar-cookie-recipe/
Let me know if you need more help!
Bear hugs,
Lisa
Can you make the dough ahead of time, and store in the freezer for days (or weeks) until ready to make cookies? If so, how long would you thaw before cutting cookies?
Hi Erin,
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store in the freezer. I suggest you practice before you do it for orders so you will see how your recipe in your area will work. If I freeze mine for a week, you can’t tell that I have frozen it. It tastes fresh. They say you can freeze sugar cookie dough for up to three months. I usually freeze it for about a month and it still tastes fresh. I don’t like to freeze mine longer than that. It’s just a personal preference.
The key is in making sure it stays fresh is to make sure it’s properly covered. If the air in the freezer touches it your dough might get freezer burn. Wrap it in plastic wrap first. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil. Last but not least, place it in a Ziploc freezer bag. This will keep it fresh.
Just practice with a few batches of dough first so you know how it will work in your area.
I would like to learn how to make sugar cookies and lear how to decorate them. I have tried to make sugar cookies and Gingerman but I always end up mad and throwing the dough away. It always sticks and can’t pick them up.
My dream is learning and maybe one day I could have a business at home.
Thank you…
Alma
I want to see our video on how to roll out cookies. It said it was here, but it isn’t. Can you direct me on how to get to it? Thank you!
Hi Linda,
I see the video here but if you can’t you can watch it on my Youtube Page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHdBS5T4Sqw&list=PLUQwrH_v6x7w9PEE9tqJAmetkvjFXkCVI&index=1&t=97s
I could not get the How o Roll Out Cookie Dough video to work! I have trouble with my cookie dough sticking when I roll it out.
Hi Linda,
What are you using to roll out your sugar cookie dough? I use Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats: https://amzn.to/3L9sKkh and a piece of Glad Clin ‘N Seal. As soon as I make the dough I divide it into two pieces, place it on a mat, cover it with Cling ‘N Seal, and then place it in the freezer for a few minutes. When I remove it from the freezer I put it on the counter mat-side up. I peel the mat off the dough, then place the mat back on the dough and turn it over. Remove the plastic wrap from the top and cut out your shapes.
Placing the dough in the freezer for a few minutes makes a huge difference in how the dough will let go of the mat. No sticking whatsoever! Here is an older video that shows these steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Ig5HFOl1U&list=PLUQwrH_v6x7w9PEE9tqJAmetkvjFXkCVI&index=2&t=4s