Description
These delightful Clothespin Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for a tea time treat or any occasion, these cookies have a subtle sweetness and a soft texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich filling sandwiched between them. The recipe is simple, quick, and results in charming oval-shaped cookies that can also be shaped around clothespins for a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which helps bind the dough and adds flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing thoroughly until a smooth dough forms without overworking it.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Form Oval Shapes: Using your fingers or a small tool, gently press each dough ball into an oval shape. Alternatively, roll the dough thin and cut into strips to wrap around the ends of clothespins for a unique look.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the filling doesn’t melt.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, spread the prepared filling between two cookies and press gently to sandwich them together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Repeat with the remaining cookies, then serve your delicious clothespin cookies fresh and enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Notes
- You can shape the cookies around real clothespins for a classic decorative presentation but ensure the clothespins are clean and food-safe.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days for best freshness.
- For a richer flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
- Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice twist.
