Description
Clothespin Cookies are delightful buttery cookies with a creamy vanilla filling sandwiched between them. These charming oval-shaped treats are perfect for teatime or special gatherings, featuring a crisp edge and melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by a smooth, sweet frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 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). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms, ensuring even texture without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 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 thinly and cut strips to wrap around clothespins for a traditional look.
- Bake: Bake the shaped cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack to firm up before filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy, creating a sweet, fluffy frosting.
- Assemble Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread the creamy filling on one cookie and gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich.
- Serve: Repeat with all remaining cookies. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For uniform shape, chilling the dough before shaping can help.
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
- Substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar if unavailable, but texture may vary.
- Optional: Add a pinch of almond extract to filling for a different twist.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
