Clothespin Cookies

If you’re craving a sweet, delicate treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Clothespin Cookies are the answer! These crisp, buttery cookies are shaped like little clothespins, and their texture is a perfect balance of light and flaky. With a smooth, creamy filling tucked inside, each bite is like a little moment of indulgence. Seriously, once you take a bite, you won’t want to stop.

These cookies are ideal for holiday cookie trays, tea parties, or any special occasion where you want something a little unique to impress your guests. But trust me, they’re so good you’ll end up making them just for yourself! The combination of the crisp, buttery cookie shell and the smooth filling is absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Clothespin Cookies

There’s so much to love about these charming little cookies. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

A Fun and Unique Shape

Shaped like mini clothespins, these cookies are not only delicious but visually fun. They’re a great conversation starter and always impress when you serve them at a gathering.

Perfect Texture

The cookies themselves are light, crisp, and buttery, with just the right crunch. The filling inside adds a smooth, creamy contrast that makes each bite pure perfection.

Sweet and Not Too Sweet

These cookies strike the perfect balance—they’re sweet without being overwhelming. The rich filling pairs beautifully with the delicate cookie shell.

Make Ahead

Clothespin Cookies are perfect for making ahead of time! You can store them in an airtight container for days, which makes them an excellent treat for when you need to prepare for a party or family gathering.

Customizable

Feel free to get creative with the filling. Traditional recipes use a simple buttercream, but you could also try a chocolate or fruit-flavored filling, or even a little bit of jam for a fun twist.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

For the Cookie Dough

• Butter: The base of the dough. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so the dough comes together easily.
• Sugar: For that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Flour: This forms the structure of the dough and helps give it that perfect, crisp texture.
• Vanilla Extract: For a lovely, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the butter and sugar.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together. Just make sure to separate it from the egg white.
• Baking Powder: To help the cookies rise slightly and achieve that perfect crispiness.

For the Filling

• Butter: The base of the filling, for smoothness and richness.
• Powdered Sugar: This gives the filling that soft, sweet texture we all love.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the flavor of the filling and bring everything together.
• Heavy Cream (optional): To adjust the consistency of the filling, giving it that smooth, creamy texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements, including quantities, are in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these cute, delicious cookies step by step:

Make the Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Slowly add the flour and baking powder, mixing until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Roll the Dough

Take small portions of the dough and roll them into logs, about 2-3 inches long. Gently shape them into little “clothespin” shapes by pinching the ends slightly, making them resemble a clothespin. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, and if you want a softer consistency, add a splash of heavy cream.

Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it together with another cookie. Gently press the cookies together so the filling oozes slightly out of the sides.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the filled cookies sit for a few minutes to let the filling firm up slightly, then enjoy these delightful, buttery treats!

(Note: Full instructions are available in the recipe card below.)

How to Serve Clothespin Cookies

These cookies are perfect for all kinds of occasions:

As a Dessert for a Special Meal

Serve these as a dessert after a fancy dinner, or add them to a cookie tray during the holidays. Their unique shape and buttery flavor make them stand out at any gathering.

Pair with a Cup of Tea

Clothespin Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea. Their delicate texture makes them a perfect match for a light, comforting drink.

For a Sweet Snack

These cookies are great for snacking. Whether you’re having a cozy day at home or preparing for a gathering, they’re the perfect treat to keep around.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips for making your Clothespin Cookies just right:

Use Room Temperature Butter

It’s important that the butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth dough and ensures the cookies have the perfect texture.

Keep an Eye on the Baking Time

Since the cookies are small, they bake pretty quickly. Keep an eye on them and make sure they’re lightly golden around the edges, not overbaked.

Experiment with Fillings

Try different flavors for the filling. You can use a chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even a flavored buttercream to make the cookies your own.

Store Properly

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one Clothespin Cookie (based on standard serving sizes):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

(Note: Nutritional values are based on the ingredients as listed. Adjustments for substitutions will affect the nutritional content.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. The cookies can also be made and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Q2: Can I freeze Clothespin Cookies?

A2: Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies without the filling for up to a month. When ready to serve, let them thaw and add the filling.

Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A3: While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute if needed. The taste and texture might be slightly different.

Q4: What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

A4: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract or even a little lemon zest for a unique twist.

Q5: How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

A5: Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the filling. Don’t overfill them—just a nice, generous spread will do. Press them together gently so the filling doesn’t ooze out too much.

Q6: Can I add chocolate to the filling?

A6: Yes! You can easily add melted chocolate to the buttercream filling for a chocolate version. Simply fold in about ¼ cup of melted chocolate after the butter and powdered sugar are mixed.

Q7: What’s the best way to store these cookies?

A7: Store the filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them if you want them to last a little longer.

Q8: Can I use a different shape for the cookies?

A8: Of course! You can use any shape you prefer. The key is to bake them until they’re crisp and golden, and then fill them with the creamy filling.

Q9: How long do I need to bake these cookies?

A9: Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they can bake quickly.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the filling?

A10: Absolutely! Finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Conclusion

Clothespin Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery, crispy goodness and creamy, sweet filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a fun treat, these cookies will be a hit. Their unique shape and delicious flavor make them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Enjoy!

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