Indulge your taste buds in the delightful goodness of Clothespin Cookies – a classic treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery dough, crunchy pecans, and fruity jam filling. These charming cookies, shaped like clothespins, are not only visually appealing but also incredibly scrumptious. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible delights.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how these clothespin cookies combine crisp, flaky pastry with a smooth and airy filling. The dough is simple yet yields a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the homemade whipped cream filling adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether for a celebration or just to enjoy with coffee, these cookies always impress.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, until a smooth dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball into a 3-inch rope.
Twist each rope into a clothespin shape, ensuring the ends are slightly tapered, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately make an indentation in the center of each cookie with the handle of a wooden spoon.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks.
Once cooled, fill the center of each cookie with raspberry or apricot jam, using about half a teaspoon for each.
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Variations
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cookies for extra indulgence.
Berry Filling: Fold in raspberry or strawberry puree into the whipped cream for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of granulated sugar, roll the cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mix for added flavor.
Almond Flavor: Add a splash of almond extract to the filling for a nutty aroma.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream for a lactose-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store filled cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The baked shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fill them after thawing.
Reheating: If the shells soften, bake them at 300°F for a few minutes to crisp them up before filling.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the molds?
Greasing the molds well with butter or cooking spray helps. Let the cookies cool completely before gently twisting them off.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Fresh homemade whipped cream has the best texture, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
Why is my filling too runny?
The whipped cream might have been under-whipped. I make sure to beat it until stiff peaks form to get the right consistency.
Can I make these without molds?
I can try wrapping the dough around the handle of a wooden spoon, but molds make the process easier and more uniform.
Conclusion:
These Clothespin Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and fruity sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, these charming treats are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. With their irresistible flavor and eye-catching appearance, these cookies are bound to impress even the most discerning palates. So, why wait? Whip up a batch of these delectable cookies today and savor every delightful bite!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Clothespin Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your senses with our irresistible Clothespin Cookies recipe. These classic treats feature a buttery dough filled with crunchy pecans and sweet raspberry or apricot jam. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing well after each addition.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball into a 3-inch rope.
- Twist each rope into a clothespin shape and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately make an indentation in the center of each cookie with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Cool cookies completely on wire racks.
- Once cooled, fill the center of each cookie with jam.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
You can customize the jam filling according to your preference.
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
