Clothespin Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for charming, buttery treats that feel like a warm hug in cookie form, this Clothespin Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These delightful sandwich cookies bring together a tender, crumbly exterior with a sweet, creamy filling, making every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies offer a simple yet impressively delicious way to brighten your day and impress your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Clothespin Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s irresistible texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the smooth sweetness of the filling, every element works together to create a classic cookie experience you’ll want to make again and again.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookie dough.
• 1 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough delicately and helps create a smooth texture.
• 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a slightly chewy bite.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and classic cookie flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Creates a luscious, sweet filling with a soft finish.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (for filling): Ensures the filling is creamy and spreadable.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds depth to the creamy filling.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Lightens the filling to the perfect silky consistency.
• Pinch of salt (for filling): Balances the sweetness and rounds out flavors.

How to Make Clothespin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step sets you up for perfectly baked cookies with minimal cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration step is key to giving your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality you’ll love.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your creamy blend, beating until everything is fully combined. This adds moisture and enriches the dough’s flavor, making every bite satisfying.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Take your time here—overmixing can toughen cookies, so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Then, gently press each ball into an oval shape using your fingers or a tool. For an authentic twist, try rolling the dough thin and cutting strips to wrap around clothespin ends—this is a traditional method that adds unique charm!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them – you want perfectly tender cookies, not overly crisp.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. Patience here pays off since warm cookies won’t hold the filling well.

Step 8: Make the Filling

In a clean bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the magic that transforms these cookies from simple to spectacular.

Step 9: Assemble the Cookies

Spread a generous dollop of filling on the underside of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Repeat until all cookies are paired. The result is a sweet, buttery bite that’s utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Clothespin Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your clothespin cookies, consider dusting the tops lightly with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also press a small sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or colored sugar crystals onto the exposed filling for fun texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making for a delightful afternoon treat. Try serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a charming dessert plate that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, wrap the cookies with a small ribbon or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth—perfect for gifting or bringing to a party. Another fun idea is to place them on a wooden tray with miniature clothespins holding recipe cards nearby, highlighting the story behind the clothespin cookie tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your clothespin cookies are assembled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days, retaining their soft texture and creamy filling—ideal for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first to avoid sticking, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the filling intact.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them gently in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back a bit of that fresh-baked softness without melting the filling too much.

FAQs

What makes clothespin cookies different from other sandwich cookies?

Clothespin cookies have a distinctive tender texture and a rich, creamy filling that’s sweeter and lighter than many traditional sandwich cookies. The option to shape or wrap dough strips around actual clothespins also gives them a unique homey charm.

Can I use margarine or shortening instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine or shortening if needed. Be aware that the taste and mouthfeel might differ slightly, with a less rich butter flavor.

How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?

Make sure your butter for the filling is softened but not melted, and add milk gradually. If the filling gets too loose, add a little extra powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Clothespin Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just check your blend for xanthan gum inclusion, which helps with texture in gluten-free baking.

Can I add flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! The filling is a great blank canvas. Try adding a bit of cocoa powder for chocolate flavor, citrus zest for brightness, or even a splash of almond extract for something special.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Clothespin Cookies Recipe feels like handing you a delicious secret from my kitchen to yours. These cookies are truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something wonderfully comforting and nostalgic. I hope you have as much joy baking and sharing them as I do eating every last bite!

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