Clothespin Cookies Recipe
Clothespin Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly sweeps you back to joyful gatherings and bustling holiday kitchens. These delicate, cream-filled pastries are a labor of love—crisp, golden shells wrapped around a plush, vanilla-kissed filling, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar so light it’s almost magical. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just to surprise your friends with something truly unique, Clothespin Cookies are a showstopper that combine nostalgia and irresistible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Clothespin Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is essential for achieving that perfect balance of tender pastry and creamy filling. Pay attention to the quality of your butter and vanilla, and let each component shine for cookies that are truly memorable.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of both the dough and the creamy filling, giving structure and tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to both the cookie and the filling.
- Shortening: Ensures the cookies bake up extra crisp and tender, and brings a lightness to the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the filling just enough without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Cold water: Helps the dough come together for a perfectly workable texture.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The classic finishing touch for a snowy, inviting look and an extra pop of sweetness.
- Whole milk: Gives the filling a silky, luscious body that pipes beautifully into the cooled cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling, rounding out all the flavors.
How to Make Clothespin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar in a large bowl. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy—this step makes a big difference in the final texture of your Clothespin Cookies. Next, mix in the flour and salt until the mixture looks crumbly. Slowly drizzle in the cold water, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps the dough relax so your cookies bake up tender and hold their shape.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your metal clothespins or dowel rods—these will give the cookies their signature hollow shape. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips roughly 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. Carefully wrap each strip around a greased clothespin, overlapping the edges a little so the cookie holds together. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until just lightly golden. Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then gently slide the cookies off the clothespins and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to whip up that dreamy filling. In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour, sugar, and milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Meanwhile, beat the softened butter and shortening together in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Gradually add in the cooled flour mixture along with the vanilla extract, beating until the filling is silky smooth and easy to pipe or spoon into the cookies.
Step 4: Fill and Finish
Transfer the filling to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) and carefully pipe it into each cooled cookie shell. If you prefer, you can use a small spoon to fill them instead. Once filled, dust the tops generously with powdered sugar for that classic, irresistible finish. Now your Clothespin Cookies are ready to serve and delight!
How to Serve Clothespin Cookies
Garnishes
A snowy dusting of powdered sugar is the traditional garnish for Clothespin Cookies, lending both elegance and a sweet finish. For a festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or a few colored sugar crystals to make them sparkle at special events.
Side Dishes
These cookies are dreamy alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a party, consider pairing them with other vintage cookies or dainty pastries for a nostalgic dessert platter that gets everyone talking.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Clothespin Cookies in a spiral on a pretty cake stand, or line them up neatly in a decorative box for gifting. For a playful twist, tuck in a few fresh berries or mint leaves between the cookies to add color and flair. They also look lovely nestled in paper candy cups for individual servings at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Clothespin Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps the filling stay fresh and prevents the shells from getting too soft. If you plan to serve them later, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze both the cookie shells and the finished, filled cookies. For best results, freeze the shells and filling separately, then fill just before serving. If freezing already filled cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Clothespin Cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. If the shells have softened a bit in storage, you can pop them (unfilled) in a low oven for a couple of minutes to refresh their crispness. Always let them cool before adding the filling.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have metal clothespins or dowel rods?
No worries! If you don’t have metal clothespins, clean wooden dowel rods work just as well—just make sure to grease them well so the cookies release easily. Some bakers even use the handles of wooden spoons as a creative substitute.
Can I make the dough or filling in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be wrapped tightly and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. The filling can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just give it a quick stir before using.
How do I keep the shells from breaking when removing them from the clothespins?
Let the cookies cool for a minute or two after baking, but don’t wait too long—removing them while they’re still slightly warm makes it easier to slide them off without cracking. Be gentle and use a twisting motion for the best results.
Can I flavor the filling differently?
Definitely! While vanilla is classic, you can add almond or lemon extract for a twist, or even stir in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey variation. Play around to find your favorite flavor combination.
Are Clothespin Cookies suitable for special diets?
These cookies are naturally vegetarian, and you can experiment with plant-based butter and shortening if you need a dairy-free version. Just be sure to check your ingredient labels for any dietary concerns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Clothespin Cookies should be at the top of your list. With their vintage charm and irresistible creamy centers, they’re perfect for celebrations or just a cozy afternoon treat. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making them part of your own family tradition!
Print
Clothespin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling and cooling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Clothespin Cookies are a charming vintage dessert featuring delicate, crispy cookie shells shaped around clothespins and filled with a creamy vanilla filling. These old-fashioned cream-filled cookies are perfect for holidays or any special occasion and bring a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Filling:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the fat is well incorporated. Add the flour and salt, mixing until the mixture turns crumbly. Gradually pour in the cold water while mixing to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Preheat and Prepare Tools: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your metal clothespins or dowel rods to prevent the dough from sticking when wrapping.
- Roll and Shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips measuring about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. Carefully wrap each strip around a greased clothespin, overlapping the dough slightly to form a long cylindrical shape.
- Bake Cookies: Place the wrapped dough on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and cool briefly, then gently slide the cookies off the clothespins. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour, sugar, and milk over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and shortening until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookie shells are fully cooled, pipe or spoon the creamy filling into each shell, filling them generously. Dust the finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a flavor twist, try adding almond or lemon extract to the filling instead of vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
