Description
Clothespin Cookies are delicate, buttery treats shaped uniquely like clothespins, filled with a sweet dollop of raspberry or apricot jam, and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. These charming cookies offer a delightful combination of tender crumb, nutty pecans, and fruity filling, perfect for tea time or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth, consistent dough without overmixing.
- Shape Dough: Take portions of the dough and shape into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a 3-inch rope to prepare for the distinctive clothespin shape.
- Form Clothespin Shapes: Twist each rope-shaped dough piece into a clothespin form and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Indent Centers: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to press an indentation into the center of each warm cookie, creating space for the jam filling.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies onto wire racks and allow them to cool completely, which helps the cookies set and hold their shape.
- Fill with Jam: Once fully cooled, spoon a small amount of raspberry or apricot jam into each cookie’s center indentation, adding a sweet and fruity contrast to the buttery cookie.
- Dust and Serve: Optionally, dust the tops of the cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, finished look and a touch of extra sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
- If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Jam choice can be tailored to your taste; blackberry or strawberry also work well.
